Construction sites of larger than 5 acres have been required to apply for a permit for several years now. While there will be some individuals who are not aware of the storm water regulations regarding large development sites, they are expected to be relatively few.
Inspection protocols and checklists will be posted on this page once they are finalized. They are still in draft format at this time.
The County expects developers and individuals in this category to follow their permit requirements and SWPPPs. One of the construction permit requirements is for the owner or operator of the site to submit a copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) to any MS4 with boundaries to the site.
The copy of the TCEQ Construction permit can be downloaded here.
A copy of a factsheet highlighting many of the requirements can be downloaded here.
The County is currently in the process of developing a fact sheet highlighting County expectations, protocols and enforcement processes. Once everything is finalized the factsheet(s) will posted on this page.
It is important to note that these regulations do not exempt someone from filing a development permit with the County. The County is committed to working with individuals in the construction industry, and with any one who fits into this category to assist in understanding and complying with the regulations. Any questions should be directed to Howard Relearn ph(940)349-2997, or email howard.redfearn@dentoncounty.com.
There are many resources available on the internet with information and examples of documents.
NCTCOG Construction Information Page
TCEQ Construction Permit Information Page
EPA Construction Permit Information Page - remember to file with the State, not EPA
Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center - a good resource with example SWPPPs
Another permit requirement of the County is to monitor construction activities throughout the unincorporated area to ensure proper measures are in place to keep pollution at construction sites from entering our waterways.
If you are here to about a construction site, please call our stormwater hotline: (940) 349-3252
Construction sites that are disturbing more than 5 acres of land are required to get a permit from TCEQ. A part of their permit is to have a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in place to describe how they will reduce the risk of storm water pollution. Those sites that disturb more than 1 acre, but less than 5 acres, are required to post a site notice and have a SWPPP in place before beginning construction. The County will be conducting inspections at these construction sites to help ensure they are following the proper procedures and their SWPPP's.
The major pollutant from a construction site is sediment. Sediments can clog drainage systems which can cause flooding upstream, cover optimal breeding grounds for aquatic organisms, and fill in channels and lakes.
Floods can be dangerous and can cause large amounts of property damage. When optimal breeding areas are removed, the populations of aquatic organisms will decline, meaning it is harder to catch fish because there are fewer fish. This can also lead to population displacement, this occurs when conditions in the area change and fish such as Crappie and Bass are replaced with less sensitive fish like Carp and Gar. The filling in of our waterways is a major concern because it changes how water flows, which can also lead to floods, but it also leaves less room in our lakes to store water. This can lead to higher prices for water as less water is available to a growing public, or the sediment has to be removed.
Construction debris also causes problems for storm drainage systems. Unused wood, containers of all types, wrappings, and various other trash is often carried by the wind, and sometimes by employees into storm drainage systems. This type pollution causes a broad range of problems once the items get into our waterways.
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Small construction sites, those sites more than 1 acre but less than 5 acres in size, are now required by the State to follow certain procedures to ensure our waterways are protected and productive for years to come. It is important to note that the regulations are not directed at punishing any one. Instead the regulations are in place to protect the people who use our waterways for recreation and as drinking water sources from harmful pollutants and to ensure our water resources are there for many generations.
A copy of the TCEQ construction permit can be downloaded here.
A copy of a factsheet highlighting many of the requirements can be downloaded here.
The County is currently in the process of developing a fact sheet highlighting County expectations, protocols and enforcement processes. Once everything is finalized the factsheet(s) will posted on this page.
It is important to note that these regulations do not exempt someone from filing a development permit with the County. The County is committed to working with individuals in the construction industry, and with any one who fits into this category to assist in understanding and complying with the regulations. Any questions should be directed to Howard Redfearn ph(940)349-2997, or email howard.redfearn@dentoncounty.com.
There are many resources available on the internet with information and examples of documents.
NCTCOG Construction Information Page
TCEQ Construction Permit Information Page
EPA Construction Permit Information Page - remember to file with the State, not EPA
Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center - a good resource with example SWPPPs
