Construction Site Stormwater Runoff

The City of Hutto’s population is growing by leaps and bounds.  With growth comes development.   Construction activity can have a significant impact on water quality if not properly managed.   As stormwater flows over a construction site, it picks up pollutants like sediment, debris, and chemicals where they can discharge into creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, etc.  

Construction activity includes soil disturbance activities, including clearing, grading, excavating, construction-related activity (e.g., stockpiling of fill material, demolition), and construction support activity.  Construction activity is not limited to site development.  It also includes construction of commercial buildings, single-family lots, and multifamily housing. 

Stormwater runoff from construction activity is regulated by the City of Hutto and by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  Before starting construction, proper permit(s) or authorization(s) from both the City of Hutto and the TCEQ must be obtained.  

Make sure construction site plans include appropriate erosion and sediment controls in accordance with both the City of Hutto standards and the TCEQ Stormwater Construction General Permit. 

The TCEQ Stormwater Construction General Permit requires the development and implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3).  The city may require proof of a SWP3 before allowing discharges to their municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).