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Construction Stormwater Runoff
The Threat: Construction Sites
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction sites can have a significant impact on the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and receiving waters.
Construction sites that disturb one or more total acres of land area, or are part of a larger common development that will, when completed, disturb one or more total acres of land area are required to obtain authorization to discharge storm water from the State of Texas.
This authorization is typically granted under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit TXR150000.
Reviews
In addition to the state requirement, the City of Galveston's stormwater ordinance may also require local permits to discharge stormwater from your construction site. At a minimum, proof of coverage under TXR150000 is required to be submitted to the city engineer during the plan review/permit process to verify that the site operator is prepared to implement the controls necessary to comply with the TPDES permit.
In addition, city inspectors have the right to visit and inspect the site for compliance with the city's ordinance.
Report a Noncompliant Construction Site
Citizens can also assist the city in identifying noncompliant construction sites by contacting the City Marshal's Office. This can be done either by calling 409-797-3647, or online.
Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development or Significant Redevelopment
The City of Galveston's stormwater ordinance encourages the use of post-construction stormwater controls to reduce the volume and intensity of stormwater runoff from developed sites.
Typical post-construction controls that can be used on a typical development include the use of storm water detention / retention, vegetative buffers and infiltration areas, trash barriers, inlet filters, and low impact development/green infrastructure techniques, among many others.
As more research is available on the usefulness and efficiency of these controls and devices, the city will examine the available information and may require a minimum level of controls to be placed on new development or significant redevelopment sites in the future.