Stormwater - SWPPP/CSWPPP

Multi-Sector Industrial and Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

CRG Texas Environmental Services specializes in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Municipal Government Industrial Multi-Sector (MS4) and Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) preparation and permitting.  We work with engineers, architects, developers, contractors, industrial, and manufacturing facilities, oil & gas, and other stake holders in becoming compliant with SWPPP, CSWPPP and Industrial Waste Water Discharge regulations.

SWPPP Stormwater

Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snowmelt that does not immediately infiltrate into the ground and flows over or through natural or manufactured storage or conveyance systems. Stormwater runoff picks up industrial pollutants and typically discharges them directly into nearby water bodies or indirectly via storm sewer systems. This stormwater full of pollutants can contaminate water bodies and degrade biological habitats. It is for this reason the EPA and TCEQ regulate that stormwater. Stormwater runoff from industrial, manufacturing, and construction sites can cause significant harm to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. An SWPPP is required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and by your construction and/or general permit and will help you prevent stormwater pollution.

Who should manage and why should I have a SWPPP/ CSWPPP in place?

Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities and Construction Site Operators (generally, the person who has operational control) can manage your stormwater discharges through preparation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or a Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (CSWPPP). An SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan. It describes all the operator’s activities to prevent stormwater contamination, control sedimentation and erosion, and comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act. The EPA and TCEQ can issue fines up to $32,500/per day per violation. If you abide by all SWPPP/ CSWPPP regulations, you will not have to worry about possible fines and downtime in the future.

SWPPP Multi Sector General Permit (TXR050000)

Discharges of stormwater are regulated if associated with an industrial, manufacturing, or other regulated activity into one of the following:

  • Gutters, streets, channels, ditches, or other stormwater conveyances that are part of a municipal separate stormwater sewer system (MS4), or surface water in the State, and your business activity fits into one of the regulated industrial sectors, meaning that your industrial activity fits under one or more of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.

Suppose your facility SIC code is subject to TPDES Multi-Sector General Permit. In that case, you will need to obtain coverage under General Permit TXR050000.

CSWPPP

Construction General Permit (CGP) TXR150000

Large construction activities which disturb 5 or more acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development, are regulated under this general CSWPPP permit.

  • If the construction site is less than 1 acre: you do not need coverage. No SWPPP is required.
  • If the construction site is between 1 acre and 5 acres: an SWPPP and Construction Notice posted at the site is required. A construction notice to the local municipal stormwater permitting department (MS4) is required.
  • If the constructions site is more than 5 acres: a SWPPP, Notice of Intent, Notice of Termination, and Construction Notice posted at the site is required.

 

SWPPP Tip

Seek help from the TCEQ Small Business and Local Government Assistance (SBLGA) to determine if your business is regulated under the Storm Water Pollution Prevention regulations (provide a link to SBLGA). If your business is regulated, seek help from an environmental consultant before possible stormwater regulatory agency audits or violations get reported.