SWPPP Consulting

The TPDES Construction General Permit is a set of rules that apply to all construction within the State of Texas. The Construction General Permit sets out all of the expectations for a construction project to discharge stormwater linked to construction activities. 

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) are a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) that regulates water quality when associated with construction or industrial activities.  The SWPPP addresses all pollutants and their sources, including sources of sediment associated with construction, construction site erosion, and all other activities associated with construction activity and controlled through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Who must seek permit coverage under TXR150000?

• Construction activities from which runoff water goes into or adjacent to any surface water in the state of Texas must have a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
• Large construction activities, that disturb more than 5 acres of land, or are part of a larger common development plan which will disturb 5 or more acres, are covered under this plan/permit.
• Small construction activities, that will disturb more than 1 acre, but less than 5 acres, or are part of a development plan that will disturb more than 1 acre but less than 5 acres, are covered under this general permit.
• Construction activities that are smaller than 1 acre and are not part of a larger development plan are not covered under this permit.
• Oil and Gas disturbance/activities are not covered under this permit, but are governed by the EPA and Texas Railroad Commission.

The current Permit was Issued on March 5, 2018 

• The General Permit and all issued authorizations expire at midnight on March 4, 2023 
• Authorizes discharges of stormwater associated with construction activities and construction support activities  

What is Construction?

• Clearing
• Grading
• Excavating, or
• Similar activities that disturb/expose soil

                      demolition, infilling pits, and stockpiling soil for construction

What is not Construction?

Certain routine maintenance activities

• routine grading of roads
• asphalt overlay of roads
• routine clearing of Tow
• agricultural land disturbance

Disturbing Less than an acre

• if the project site disturbs less than 1 acre and is not part of a larger common plan of development, coverage under the general permit is not required

Note: Still required to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and to notify the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

• A construction activity completed in separate stages, phases, or in combination with other construction activities 
• Identified by documentation showing the scope of the construction project 
• Documentation may include plats, blueprints, marketing plans, contracts, building permits, zoning requests, etc.