El Paso requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction and land disturbance projects. The city's desert environment with steep terrain in the Franklin Mountains foothills makes erosion control critical. Construction sites must implement best management practices (BMPs) including silt fencing, sediment basins, and stabilized construction entrances. TCEQ's Construction General Permit (TXR150000) applies to sites disturbing one or more acres.
Erosion control plans must be submitted as part of the grading and development permit process. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 days of final grading. The city inspects active construction sites for compliance with approved erosion control plans and TCEQ permit conditions. El Paso requires erosion and sediment control on graded sites — typically silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, and cover for exposed soils — under the local stormwater ordinance and the EPA NPDES Construction General Permit. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more need a SWPPP. Violations can halt construction and trigger fines. Contact El Paso Stormwater/Engineering at 3-1-1 or (915) 212-0000.
Failure to maintain erosion controls can result in stop-work orders, fines, and TCEQ enforcement action. Sediment leaving a construction site and entering waterways or storm drains violates the Clean Water Act.
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See how El Paso's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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