Federal/State Requirements
Construction sites within WCID No. 17 jurisdiction must obtain the following coverage based on the size of their site plans:
Less than 1 acre:
- TCEQ Construction General Permit (CGP) coverage is not required, unless the site is part of a larger common plan of development or sale totaling 1 acre or more.
- A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is not required.
Between 1 and 5 acres:
- TCEQ CGP coverage is required.
- A SWPPP must be prepared and implemented before construction begins.
- A TCEQ Small Construction Site Notice (Form TCEQ-20963) must be physically posted at the construction site in a publicly visible location at least two days prior to beginning construction.
- A copy of the completed and signed notice must be sent to stormwater@wcid17.org.
Over 5 acres:
- TCEQ CGP coverage is required.
- A SWPPP must be prepared and implemented before construction begins.
- A TCEQ Large Construction Site Notice (Form TCEQ-20961 or 20962) must be physically posted at the construction site in a publicly visible location at least two days prior to beginning construction.
- A copy of the completed and signed notice must be sent to stormwater@wcid17.org.
- A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted electronically to the TCEQ prior to beginning construction.
For additional information, please see: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater/construction
WCID No. 17 Expectations
In addition to following all applicable federal and state requirements, construction sites within WCID No. 17 jurisdiction must also follow the following set of WCID No. 17 requirements:
Stormwater Inspector Requirement
Contractors must hire and maintain their own Qualified Stormwater Inspector to:
- Perform regular stormwater inspections at least once every seven (7) calendar days in accordance with the TPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) or more frequently if specified by the project’s SWPPP.
- Ensure all stormwater control measures (BMPs) are properly implemented, maintained, and modified as necessary.
- Document all inspections and corrective actions in compliance with CGP requirements
Inspection Report Submittal
- All stormwater inspection reports completed by the contractor’s Qualified Inspector must be submitted to WCID No. 17’s MS4 program.
- Submit reports by email to stormwater@wcid17.org.
- Reports should be submitted no later than 48 hours after each inspection is conducted.
Site Access and WCID No. 17 Oversight
- WCID No. 17’s Stormwater Inspector will conduct periodic oversight inspections, typically every two weeks, but may inspect more frequently after storm events or in response to complaints or observed issues.
- Oversight inspections are unscheduled and may occur at any time.
- The WCID Inspector’s role is to verify overall site compliance and the effectiveness of stormwater controls, but this does not replace the contractor’s required inspections under the CGP.
Site Contact Requirement
- Contractors must provide the name and contact information of the project’s Stormwater Inspector and the site superintendent or other responsible personnel to WCID No. 17 before construction begins.
- Updated contact information must be provided if there are staffing changes.
Prompt Corrective Actions
- If deficiencies are identified during WCID No. 17 oversight inspections, prompt corrective actions must be taken by the contractor.
- Contractors are expected to address deficiencies within 24 hours, or as otherwise specified based on the severity of the issue.
Communication and Collaboration
- WCID No. 17 encourages open communication with site personnel to resolve issues quickly and maintain compliance.
- If you have questions regarding stormwater compliance or best practices, contact stormwater@wcid17.org or the WCID No. 17 Stormwater Inspector directly.
HOW TO MINIMIZE POLLUTION ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
Protect any areas reserved for vegetation and preserve existing trees.
- Preserving mature trees minimizes the amount of soil that needs to be stabilized once construction is complete, and minimizes the amount of runoff during and after construction activity.
Protect construction materials from run on and run off
- At the end of every workday and during rain events, provide cover for materials that could leach pollutants.
Designate waste disposal areas
- Clearly identify and separate waste disposal areas for hazardous, construction, and domestic waste, ensuring to protect all areas from run on and run off.
Install perimeter controls around downhill boundaries
- Install perimeter controls such as mulch log or silt fence around the downhill boundaries of the site. Make sure to remove sediment once it has reached halfway up the control.
Install inlet controls
- Protect inlets with mulch sock, gravel barriers, sand/rock bags, or silt fencing to ensure contaminants do not flow into the inlet. For whichever chosen control, make sure to remove sediment once it has reached halfway up the control.
Install a concrete/stucco washout basin
- Designate a leak proof basin lined with plastic for washing out used concrete and stucco containers. NEVER wash excess stucco or concrete residue down a storm drain or into a stream.
Maintain a stabilized exit
- Minimize sediment track out from vehicles exiting your site by maintaining an exit pad made of crushed rock or a preconstructed track out control mat.
Stabilize site when necessary
Immediately stabilize exposed portions of the site whenever construction work will stop for more than 14 days, even if work is only temporarily stopped.
For additional information, please refer to our preconstruction conference booklet.
