TCEQ Issues a New Phase II MS4

The TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality‘s publication The Advocate – writing for and about small businesses and local governments affected by environmental regulations published this update:

The new TPDES general permit for Phase II (Small) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.  TXR040000 became effective December 13, 2013. Operators of small MS4s must apply for authorization under the new permit by June 11, 2014.

Municipalities and other entities such as counties, universities, and special districts may be regulated MS4 operators if their roads, streets, gutters, ditches, channels, drains, or other stormwater conveyances are located within an urbanized area (UA). Maps identifying the urbanized areas are listed by city and state at the United States Census Bureau website.

To obtain permit coverage, submit a new Notice of Intent, a $100 application fee, and a Stormwater Management Program before June 11, 2014. Existing authorizations will remain active until the new applications are approved.

MS4s serving a population of fewer than 1,000 within a UA may qualify for a waiver. Those applications must also be submitted before June 11, 2014. Provisional coverage begins 30 days after the TCEQ receives the application.

The reissued general permit, factsheet, Response to Comments, and a Frequently Asked Questions document are now available on the TCEQ website.

The revised NOI Form No. 20368 and Waiver Form No. 20369 can be found on the TCEQ website. Forms from the previous permit period are no longer valid and will not be processed.

Additional compliance resources are available at Assistance Tools for Stormwater Permitting

For help understanding the requirements or the permitting process, contact the Small Business & Local Government Assistance Section’s compliance hotline at 1-800-447-2827 or the Stormwater & Pretreatment Team at 512-239-4671 or by email.