A beginner's Guide to Storm Water Quality Management in Houston, Texas
Stormwater regulations are continually becoming more strict across the country. Houston, Texas is no exception. Find out how you can protect yourself from environmental violations and manage your stormwater permit effectively.
This page is sponsored by Storm Water Solutions.
What is Storm Water Quality?
A brief History of Storm Water Quality Permitting in Harris County.
Ever since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972 ever increasing regulations have been implemented in order to help protect the rivers, lakes and surrounding oceans of the United States. The most recent evolution of this regulation has increased requirements for storm water runoff.In the Houston metro area a joint task force was created from Harris County, the City of Houston, and the Houston D.O.T. . A major component of their permit for storm water compliance with the state of Texas and the EPA is their post-construction storm water management program.
This program created a permitting process by which all new development has to account for new stormwater runoff they are creating and treat this runoff before it gets to the rivers and bayous. These permits are issued in the name of the owner of the property and the ultimate goal for many is to transfer these permits into the ultimate owner's control. The ultimate owners are almost always MUD Districts and Homeowners Associations.
The Permit Life Cycle
The life of a storm water permit in Harris County
- Engineer writes the SWQMP (Storm Water Quality Management Plan) and submits it with the appropriate set of plans.
- The plans are approved. A new permit can now be filed with the county.
- Before building permits can be pulled, the stormwater permit must be submitted and processed.
- Construction on the detention pond / storm sewer takes place.
- Once construction is complete, the engineer must file an ABC (As-Built Certification) with the county confirming the project is complete.
- The ABC triggers an inspection by the county.
- If the new storm water quality feature passes inspection, a COC (Certificate of Compliance) is issued.
- At this time, and at any time in the future, the permit can now be transferred to the MUD District.
- Every year, the permit must be renewed on the anniversary of the COC by the current owner.
Useful Tips for managing your Storm Water Permit
Helpful ideas for stormwater management in Houston
- When filing for the initial permit, make sure that there is a letter from the MUD district that says the MUD will eventually accept responsibility for the planned feature. The letter must specifically reference 'storm water quality feature'.
- Make sure monthly inspections are being performed on the feature by a qualified inspector.
- File the As-Built Certification as soon as possible after construction is completed. The county has the right to repeal occupancy permits if the ABC isn't filed.
- Make sure that any mowing, cleaning, or other maintenance necessary to keep the feature working is taking place. Repair work usually costs about 10x the cost of maintenance when dealing with storm water features.
Helpful Stormwater Links
Have More Questions?
- Storm Water Solutions
- Storm Water Solutions, LP is a storm water management company serving the greater Houston, TX area.
- Clean Water Clear Choice
- A resource for public education materials, forms, education, and more.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality -
- The home page of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality links to information about the TCEQ and its rules, permits, compliance and enforcement information, calendar, publications, forms, hot topics, employment, news releases, and the Natural Outlook - the TCEQ's quarterly publication of envir
- The Stormwater Guru
- The Stormwater Guru is a blog that keeps up with current storm water news and events that may affect you.
Storm Water Permit Questions?
Questions about storm water permitting in texas?
If you have a question about stormwater permitting of any kind, drop us a line and we will do our best to answer it.
alternatively you can email us at:
jdillon at stormwatersolutions.com
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Loyalis
Tom - What you may need is an Industrial Permit if you are part of an industrial facility. Usually if you have an oil separator system, it is the system itself that requires a permit (at least within Harris County and the City of Houston). jdillon at stormwatersolutions dot com is my email for ?s Posted August 27, 2007 |
Really in the dark here. We wash equipement that has some, but very little oil and/or sewage residue. Do we need a permit? How much is allowable? Is a little Ok or is it zero tolerance? Also, will using an oil seperator system keep us from having to get a permit. Any info is appreciated.
Posted August 27, 2007
Really in the dark here. We wash equipement that has some, but very little oil and/or sewage residue. Do we need a permit? How much is allowable? Is a little Ok or is it zero tolerance? Also, will using an oil seperator system keep us from having to get a permit. Any info is appreciated.
Posted August 27, 2007
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