El Paso regulates stormwater management through Title 13 of the Municipal Code and the El Paso Stormwater Master Plan. The city operates under an EPA Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit administered by TCEQ. New development and redevelopment must incorporate stormwater quality and quantity controls. El Paso Water Utilities oversees the stormwater utility, and fees fund drainage infrastructure in a region where flash flooding is a significant hazard due to desert terrain and monsoon storms.
Developers must submit drainage reports and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) for construction sites disturbing one acre or more. Post-construction stormwater controls are required to manage the increased runoff from impervious surfaces. The city enforces illicit discharge detection and elimination requirements under its MS4 permit, prohibiting non-stormwater discharges into the storm drain system.
Violations of stormwater regulations can result in citations and fines. Illicit discharges to the storm sewer system may result in penalties under the Texas Water Code and the federal Clean Water Act.
El Paso, TX
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See how El Paso's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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