Tarrant County, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Tceq Ms4
- TCEQ MS4 permit TXR040000 covers Tarrant County + major cities
- Insurance
- Construction sites 1+ acre need TXR150000 coverage + SWPPP
- Barriers
- Silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrance are standard BMPs
- Restrictions
- Illicit discharges (anything but rainwater) are prohibited
- Trinity River
- Trinity River and tributaries on TCEQ 303(d) list for impairments
Summary
Stormwater in Tarrant County is governed by TCEQ MS4 permit TXR040000 and the Construction General Permit TXR150000 for sites disturbing 1 acre or more. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.
Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities: Stormwater permit requirements for the discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities that disturb one (1) or more acres of soil. [...] 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. [...] Stormwater Requirements for Construction Activities: 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, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will 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
Tarrant County is regulated as a Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under TCEQ TPDES General Permit TXR040000, and most cities in the county (Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, Euless, Hurst, Colleyville, Haltom City) also hold MS4 permits. The MS4 program requires the county and each permitted city to implement six minimum control measures including public education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction-site stormwater runoff control, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more (or smaller lots that are part of a common plan of development totaling 1 acre) must obtain coverage under TCEQ Construction General Permit TXR150000 and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
SWPPP requirements include BMPs like silt fence, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, and regular inspections. Illicit discharges to storm drains (anything other than rainwater) are prohibited by MS4 rules and typically banned by local ordinance. Trinity River, West Fork, Clear Fork, Big Fossil Creek, and many other Tarrant County water bodies are listed on the Texas 303(d) list for various impairments and are subject to TCEQ Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The Trinity River Authority coordinates regional stormwater and water-quality planning.
Violations & Fines
TXR150000 construction site violations can result in TCEQ enforcement with penalties up to $25,000 per day under Texas Water Code 7.102, plus EPA federal enforcement in some cases. MS4 permit violations expose the county or city to TCEQ enforcement. Illicit discharges can result in local citations, TCEQ penalties, and federal Clean Water Act liability. Permit holders must retain SWPPP records for 3 years after final stabilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a stormwater permit in Tarrant County?
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
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