Texas City, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 158 of the Texas City Code implements the city's TPDES storm water permit, General Permit No. TXR040024, and is administered and enforced by the City Engineer or Storm Water Manager under § 158.02. Section 158.20 bars any discharge into the MS4 that is not composed entirely of storm water. It lists fifteen affirmative defenses, including discharges authorized by a TPDES permit, firefighting flows by the Fire Department, lawn watering and irrigation, individual residential car washing, uncontaminated foundation and sump pump discharge, and street wash water free of soap, detergent or solvents.\n\nSection 158.21 then names specific prohibited substances: used motor oil and other vehicle fluids, industrial and hazardous waste, sewage and grease trap waste, garbage and yard waste, wastewater from commercial carwashes and vehicle repair shops, mobile power washer wastewater, ready-mixed concrete and mortar, swimming pool filter backwash, and any substance that will clog the MS4.

Petroleum storage tank remediation water is barred unless it contains no more than 50 parts per billion of benzene, 500 parts per billion combined BTEX, or 15 mg/l of total petroleum hydrocarbons.\n\nDumpster renters must keep dumpsters covered at all times, keep the area clean, and order enough pickups to prevent overflow. Trailers hauling household refuse or construction debris must carry a secured tarp at all times. Failing to maintain a dumpster or trailer draws a fine of up to $250. Service station pavement wash water must pass through a properly maintained grease, oil and sand interceptor, and sanitary sewer lines cannot be connected to the MS4.

Pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer handling must follow state and federal law, and licenses must be shown to the Storm Water Manager or any city law enforcement officer on request.