Phase II Storm Water General Permit Deadline Approaching
For cities required to apply for the new Phase II storm water general permit for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), the deadline for applications is swiftly approaching. Operators of small MS4s in urbanized areas must submit either a waiver application or a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Surface Water Management Program (SWMP) by February 11, 2008. The general permit will be effective for five years.
While an NOI and SWMP may be submitted late, the authorization granted by the general permit will cover only discharges that occur after coverage is obtained under the general permit. All discharges after February 11 (but before permit coverage is obtained) are subject to enforcement by the TCEQ.
For general questions on Phase II MS4 permitting, please contact Lauren Crawford in the TML Legal Department at (512) 231-7400. For more specific questions, please contact the TCEQ’s Storm Water Division at (512) 239-4671 or visit:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/permitting/water_quality/stormwater/storm-water-navigation/ms4.html