Keller, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- State Permit
- TPDES TXR040000
- Oversight
- TCEQ and EPA Region 6
- Banned Discharges
- Oil, paint, chemicals, clippings
- Construction Threshold
- 1 acre requires CGP
- Receiving Waters
- Big Bear Creek and Lake Grapevine
Summary
Keller operates a regulated MS4 stormwater program under the TPDES permit issued by TCEQ. Illicit discharges to storm drains, including grass clippings, paint, and chemicals, are prohibited.
Stormwater Permits for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) — Permits required to discharge stormwater from small, medium, and large systems. Phase I and Phase II requirements. Waivers for qualified small systems. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharges: Am I Regulated? — Which MS4s are required to obtain permit coverage for their stormwater discharges. Stormwater Permitting Requirements for Medium and Large (Phase I) MS4s — Requirements and steps for applying for a permit to authorize stormwater discharges from Phase I (medium and large) MS4s as well as annual reporting and discharge monitoring report requirements. Stormwater Permitting Requirements for Phase II (Small) MS4s — Authorization options, control measures required, annual reporting requirements, and links to best management practices for operators of Phase II MS4s. General Permit TXR040000 for Phase II (Small) MS4s — Requirements and steps necessary to obtain authorization for stormwater discharges from small MS4s. Possible Waivers for Permits — Waiver Option 1 from MS4 Permitting Requirements (Small Systems Only) explains the waiver from the permitting requirement available to small MS4s that serve a population of less than 1,000. Waiver Option 2 from MS4 Permitting Requirements (Small Systems Only) explains the waiver from the permitting requirement available to small MS4s which serve a population of less than 10,000.
Full Breakdown
The City of Keller operates a regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permit TXR040000 administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Keller is also subject to the federal Clean Water Act through EPA Region 6 oversight. Under the Stormwater Management Program and the Keller Storm Water Ordinance, only rainwater is allowed to enter storm drains and creeks. Illicit discharges are prohibited, including pouring motor oil, paint, solvents, pool chemistry water, concrete washout, and pesticides into the storm sewer.
Grass clippings and leaves blown into streets and drains are also prohibited because they clog inlets and add nutrients to receiving waters. Construction sites disturbing an acre or more require coverage under the TPDES Construction General Permit, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and installation of silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances. Commercial sites must manage pollutants from parking lots, dumpster areas, and equipment yards. Residents can help protect Big Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek, and downstream Lake Grapevine by cleaning up pet waste, washing cars on the lawn instead of the driveway, and reporting illicit discharges. Keller Public Works runs inlet marking and public education programs. Violations can be reported to the MS4 hotline or Code Enforcement at 817-743-4087.
Violations & Fines
Municipal citations up to $2,000 per day for illicit discharges. State TCEQ enforcement can add significantly higher civil penalties. Construction sites without SWP3 may be shut down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in my Keller driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Keller
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Keller to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle stormwater management.