Industrial Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
A SWPPP is more than just a sediment and erosion control plan; It is a plan that describes all the operator’s activities to prevent storm water contamination, control sedimentation and erosion, and comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
If you discharge storm water associated with an industrial activity into surface water in the state, you may need authorization.
a. There are a variety of industrial businesses in Texas. In order to protect surface water in the state, the discharge of storm water leaving these sites requires a permit. In some cases, the discharge is also monitored for contaminants. The multi-sector general permit is one way to authorize this activity.
b. If you discharge storm water associated with an industrial activity into surface water in the state, you may need authorization. If you are not otherwise prohibited, you may obtain coverage under the MSGP permit if:
- your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is listed in the permit, or
- your facility conducts an activity described by one or more Industrial Activity Codes described in the permit, or
- your facility is subject to federal categorical effluent limitations, or
- your facility has been designated by the Executive Director as requiring coverage.
Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (CSWPPP)
Storm water runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality. As storm water flows over a construction site, it picks up pollutants like sediment, debris, and chemicals, and deposits them in creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, etc. The construction storm water general permit is one way to authorize this discharge.
The TCEQ has issued the 2018 Construction General Permit (CGP) TXR150000. It became effective March 5, 2018.
- If you discharge storm water associated with construction activity, you may need authorization. The need for coverage is based on the area of land disturbed.
- If you disturb less than one acre* – no coverage is needed under this permit.
- If you disturb one or more acres* – coverage is needed under this permit.
- If your construction activity is part of a larger Common Plan of Development, you must consider the total area of acres disturbed – even if the development is completed in phases.
Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)
A storm water quality management plan provides general guidance for developing a storm water quality management plan for non-structural and structural controls to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff from post-development activities in residential, commercial, and light industrial areas, and at public facilities. A SWQMP (Storm water Quality Management Plan) is a document that facilitates permanent sediment and erosion control. A SWQMP defines, controls, and manages storm water runoff from the completed construction site permanently. It applies to the property, post-construction and as such is the responsibility of the property owner. Typically an SWQMP must be filed and recorded as a prerequisite to filing for a building permit within most municipalities. Be sure to check with your local governmental regulations that may apply.
Construction/installation of the storm water erosion and sedimentation controls (ponds, weirs, oil interceptors and oil/water separators, etc.) called for in the SWQMP is usually provided by the General Contractor during the construction phase of a project, and the GC is typically responsible for the installation of controls and best management practices according to the SWQMP requirements. This means that at completion of construction, regulatory personnel may inspect the features installed as a final step to the issuance of the Owner’s Storm water Quality Permit.
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SWPPP Tips
Seek help from and environmental consultant and/or the TCEQ Small Business and Local Government Assistance (SBLGA) to determine if your business is regulated under the Storm Water Pollution Prevention regulations (provide link to SBLGA). If your business is regulated, then seek help from an environmental consultant before possible storm water regulatory agency audits or violations are reported.