TCEQ Stormwater Compliance: SWPPP and Construction General Permit Guide
Learn about TCEQ stormwater regulations, SWPPP requirements, and Construction General Permit compliance for Texas construction sites.
Key Takeaways
- Construction sites disturbing 1+ acres require TCEQ CGP coverage
- A SWPPP must be prepared before construction begins
- BMP inspections are required weekly and after rain events
- Notice of Termination (NOT) is filed when the site is stabilized
TCEQ Stormwater Compliance Guide
Construction sites in Texas must comply with TCEQ stormwater regulations to protect water quality during and after construction.
Construction General Permit (CGP)
The TCEQ Construction General Permit regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites. Trigger: sites disturbing 1+ acre. Coverage obtained by filing a Notice of Intent (NOI). Active until site is stabilized and Notice of Termination (NOT) is filed.
SWPPP Requirements
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan must include site description, potential pollutants, site map with BMP locations, BMP descriptions, inspection schedule, maintenance procedures, and recordkeeping.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Erosion Control: Vegetative cover, erosion control blankets, mulching. Sediment Control: Silt fences, rock berms, sediment basins, inlet protection. Good Housekeeping: Material storage, waste management, equipment maintenance, concrete washout.
Inspection Requirements
- Frequency: Every 7 calendar days minimum
- Post-rain: Within 24 hours of 0.5+ inch rain event
- Documentation: Written inspection reports in SWPPP
- Corrections: Fix deficiencies within 7 days
- Rainfall log: Record daily rainfall amounts
Notice of Intent and Termination
- NOI: File before land disturbance begins
- Small Sites (1-5 acres): May use Site Notice instead of NOI
- NOT: File when site is finally stabilized (70%+ vegetative cover)
Post-Construction Stormwater Quality
After construction, permanent stormwater quality measures may be required including water quality BMPs, MS4 compliance, ongoing BMP maintenance, and annual PE-stamped stormwater quality inspection reports.
Common Compliance Issues
- Missing or incomplete SWPPP documentation
- BMPs not installed or maintained properly
- Late or missing inspection reports
- Failure to file NOI before construction begins
- Premature NOT filing before site stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a document that describes how a construction site will prevent stormwater pollution. It is required by TCEQ for any construction activity disturbing 1 or more acres of land. The SWPPP must be prepared before construction begins and kept on-site during construction.
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