MS4 General Permit

Purpose

The Stormwater Division provides reporting and compliance for the quality of water leaving streets, alleys and storm sewers. The guidelines that must be followed are detailed in the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System General Permit, (TPDES MS4) General Permit. This permit and all the regulations written within were developed to lessen the amount of poor quality water runoff from storm events and even non-storm water runoff.

The City has multiple measures they perform to make this happen, from individuals going out and cleaning, to policies detailing the proper cleaning and disposal methods for hazardous materials. We realize the best way to clean up the city and maintain a healthy environment for everyone is to educate the importance of these issues. If the issues are important enough then change will follow. The Stormwater Division aims at informing all individuals of the types of activities around us that pose problems to the environment and human health.

Categories

The City of Odessa receives authorization from the State of Texas to be allowed to use their TPDES MS4 General Permit so long as we follow the requirements detailed in the permit. The permit is broken down into the following six categories:

  1. Public Education and Outreach
  2. Public Involvement and Participation
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  5. Storm Water Management in New Development and Re-Development areas
  6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

For more information on how the City meets these requirements, view our Stormwater Management Program (PDF).

Construction Site Requirements

Since 2003 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), in accordance with The Clean Water Act, has been involved in making sure construction sites in Texas follow certain guidelines and rules to protect the environment and the health of the people who live nearby. Studies dating back to the early 1970's have shown that contaminates from construction sites pose a risk to the health and welfare of the community and the environment. The results of these studies has determined that certain activities be monitored and addressed by the owner/developer, construction companies/builders and regulating officials. These requirements can be found in the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) TXR150000 (PDF). Here at the City of Odessa, we assist and if need arises enforce the requirements stated in the TPDES CGP.

View our list of Construction Site Requirements (PDF).

Earth Disturbance Criteria

The Earth Disturbance Submittal Requirements (PDF) are a list of criteria to assist individuals comply with the requirement in the CGP.