Navigating Houston's Updated Stormwater Quality Permitting Process

Navigating Houston's Updated Stormwater Quality Permitting Process

As the premier provider of civil engineering, structural engineering, and environmental engineering services in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services simplifies Houston’s evolving stormwater regulations.

With $4.2B in annual construction permits issued and heightened environmental enforcement, understanding the Stormwater Quality (SWQ) permitting process is critical for developers, builders, and architects.

Understanding SWQ Permits: Key Definitions & Applicability

What Projects Require SWQ Permits?

Per Houston Code of Ordinances §47-601, SWQ permits are mandatory for:

• New development: Disturbing 1+ acres of previously undeveloped land.

• Significant redevelopment: Modifying 0.2+ acres on existing sites ≥1 acre.

Exemption: Sites covered under TCEQ’s Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial activities.

TPDES Alignment

Houston’s SWQ program aligns with Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit WQ0004685000, requiring:

• 80% total suspended solids (TSS) reduction via Best Management Practices (BMPs).

• Compliance with EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II rules.

  
  

Crafting a Compliant Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)

Mandatory SWQMP Components

1. BMP selection: From Houston’s Stormwater Quality Management Guidance Manual (e.g., bioswales, permeable pavers).

2. Infrastructure details: Include City Standard Drawing #01571-01 for drainage systems.

3. Cost estimates: Structural control bond calculations ($15–$25/linear foot).

4. Professional certification: Licensed PE stamp verifying compliance with §47-632.

Pro Tip: Use the City’s SWQMP Checklist to avoid review delays.

Annual Renewal Obligations & Amendments

Renewal Process

• Timeline: Submit 30 days before expiration via [email protected].

• Fees: $207.47 annually; delinquent permits incur doubled fees + $37,500/day EPA fines.

• Documentation: Updated Owner’s Affidavit and PE-certified inspection logs.

Handling Ownership/Design Changes

• Amendments: Required within 30 days of transfer or design modifications.

• Cost: $207.47 amendment fee + revised SWQMP.

• Compliance: Permits must be current to process amendments.

The Critical Role of Licensed Engineers

SWQMP Certification

A Professional Engineer (PE) must:

• Validate BMP effectiveness for pollutant removal.

• Certify compliance with TPDES and City standards.

• Submit Post-Construction Certification after project completion.

Ongoing Oversight

• Annual inspections: Verify BMP functionality (e.g., hydrodynamic separator maintenance).

• Recordkeeping: Maintain logs for 5+ years per §47-613.

5 Strategies for Efficient Compliance

1. Pre-application coordination

   • Submit draft SWQMPs to SWQPermits@houstontx.gov for feedback.

2. Leverage pre-approved BMP templates

   • Use Contech’s SWQMP template for faster approval.

3. Digital permitting

   • Upload plans via Houston’s iPermits Portal for 30% faster reviews.

4. Bond optimization

   • Calculate using City-approved tables to avoid over-collateralization.

5. Proactive renewals

   • Set calendar reminders 45 days before expiration dates.

Final Thoughts

At JRH Engineering and Environmental Services, we specialize in guiding clients through the complexities of Houston's SWQ permitting landscape.

Our team of licensed engineers is adept at developing and certifying comprehensive Stormwater Quality Management Plans (SWQMPs), ensuring that your projects meet all city standards and effectively manage stormwater runoff.

We offer proactive support throughout the permitting process, from initial application to annual renewals and any necessary amendments due to project changes or ownership transitions.

Our expertise ensures that your projects remain compliant, avoiding costly delays and penalties.

Partnering with JRH Engineering and Environmental Services means having a dedicated team committed to facilitating your project's success while upholding environmental integrity. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your stormwater permitting needs.

References:

1. Houston Code of Ordinances §47-601

2. TCEQ MSGP Guidelines

3. City of Houston SWQ Permit Portal

4. Stormwater Quality Design Manual

5. EPA Stormwater Enforcement

Citations:

1. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/hpwoce1030

2. https://www.conteches.com/stormwater-management/city-of-houston-swqmp/

3. https://www.esepartners.com/city-of-houston-stormwater-quality-swq-permit-and-stormwater-quality-management-plan-swqmp/

4. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/6351/download

5. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/6276/download

6. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/water-quality/tmdl/houston-galveston-recreational-42/68-clear-creek-tsd-2008.pdf

7. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org

8. https://bellairetx.civicweb.net/document/44056/

9. https://www.cleanwaterways.org/Contact-Us

10. https://houstontx.gov/council/committees/tti/20140401/chapter13.pdf

11. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater

12. https://reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SWQ_regs.pdf

13. https://esepartners.com/city-of-houston-stormwater-quality-swq-permit-and-stormwater-quality-management-plan-swqmp/

14. https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/environmental/stormwater/515-02-pmt.pdf

15. https://stormwaterprofessionalsgroup.com/stormwater-quality-permit-renewals/

16. https://www.constructionecoservices.com/services/maintenance-permitting/you-received-a-re-permit-notice/

17. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/water-quality/tmdl/houston-galveston-recreational-42/72-houston-watersheds-bacteria-tsd-2012.pdf

18. https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/env/storm/2021-ms4-annual-report.pdf

19. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/office-city-engineer/stormwater

20. https://www.txdot.gov/business/resources/environmental/stormwater/bmp-resources.html

21. https://www.cleanwaterways.org/Resources/Professionals

22. https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/6281/download

23. https://www.conteches.com/media/dfjnob25/storm-water-quality-management-plan-form.pdf

24. https://www.bwsc.org/sites/default/files/2019-01/stormwater_bmp_guidance_2013.pdf

25. https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/houston-stormwater-master-plan

26. https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/KPDES/Documents/KYG20_SWQMP_Guidance.pdf