Amarillo, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- State permit trigger
- 1+ acres disturbed (TPDES TXR150000)
- Required document
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)
- City code chapter
- Ch. 18-4 – Drainage Utility
- Enforcer
- Amarillo Stormwater Quality (806-342-1528)
Summary
Amarillo requires all construction sites to implement erosion and sediment controls to prevent soil and contaminants from entering the city's stormwater system. Sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain a state TPDES Construction General Permit and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
2023 CGP TXR150000: TCEQ issued the renewal of the CGP with an effective date of March 5, 2023. Construction activities are regulated under the CGP if they discharge stormwater to any surface water in the state and disturb an acre or more of soil. Large construction activities which disturb 5 or more acres, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb 5 or more acres, are regulated under this general permit. Small construction activities which disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres ... are also regulated under this general permit. Construction activities that disturb less than 1 acre, and are not part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb 1 or more acres, are not regulated by this general permit.
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 18-4 (Drainage Utility) of the Amarillo Code of Ordinances and the city's NPDES Phase II MS4 permit, all land-disturbing activities, clearing, grading, and excavating, must include Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as silt fences, inlet protection, and sediment basins. Sites disturbing one or more acre must file a Notice of Intent under TPDES permit TXR150000 with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The city's Stormwater Quality Program conducts site inspections; non-compliant sites receive notices of violation. Contact Amarillo Stormwater Quality at 806-342-1528.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance may result in stop-work orders, required corrective BMPs, TCEQ enforcement, and civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under Texas Water Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TPDES permit for a small residential grading project?
What BMPs are typically required at a construction site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Amarillo
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