Tarrant County, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Erosion and sediment control (ESC) on construction sites in Tarrant County flows from two layered requirements: the TCEQ Construction General Permit TXR150000 for any site disturbing 1 acre or more, and the MS4 stormwater permits held by Tarrant County (TXR040000) and each permitted city. Under the Construction General Permit, an operator must prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) describing erosion-control BMPs (minimize soil disturbance, phase grading, stabilize exposed soils within 14 days of reaching final grade) and sediment-control BMPs (silt fence, triangular silt dikes, rock berm check dams, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance). Inspections by a qualified person are required at least every 14 days and after rain events of 0.5 inch or more, with written reports. Tarrant County Public Works may require an erosion-control plan with subdivision plats and floodplain development permits. In incorporated cities, a local site-development permit often requires a separate ESC plan that may exceed state minimums. The heavy clay and rapid summer thunderstorms typical of the DFW region make inadequate ESC particularly damaging; topsoil loss and sediment deposits in streets and storm drains are common enforcement triggers. Agricultural activities are largely exempt under state law, but silviculture, forestry, and routine utility maintenance have their own rules.