Stormwater

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality “TCEQ” issued TPDES General Permit Number TXR040000, requiring small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System “MS4s” to apply for authorization to discharge stormwater to surface waters in the State of Texas, defined as Waters of the United States. This new General Permit is issued pursuant to Section 26.040 of the Texas Water Code and Section 402 of the Clean Water Act.

Small MS4 Requirements

Hickory Creek meets the definition of a small MS4, as defined in the permit document and must therefore make application to the TCEQ for authorization to discharge stormwater to surface waters in the state. Application for coverage under this permit includes the submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI) form and preparation of a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP). The permit provides coverage for a 5-year period, and requires an annual update and status report submittal to TCEQ. A copy of Hickory Creek’s SWMP is available to view online or you may request at copy from the town offices.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The SWMP provides a listing and description of BMPs developed to prevent pollution in the stormwater to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP). BMPs have been developed for the following 6 Minimum Control Measures (MCMs):

1. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
   • How to Prepare a SWPPP
   • Water Quality Brochure
   • Stormwater Illicit Discharge Complaints
2. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
   • IDDE-Pocket-Guide-2018_2
3. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
4. Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
   • Pre-Post Stormwater Checklist
5. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
   • A Green Guide to Yard Guide 
   • The Used Oil Recycling Handbook 
6. Public Involvement/Participation

Permit Regulations

Each MCM contains an appropriate number and type of BMP to satisfy the permit requirements to the MEP. The permit regulations state that existing programs or BMPs may be used to satisfy the requirements of this SWMP. BMPs must include a schedule of implementation during the five-year permit period and a determination of measurable goals to evaluate the effectiveness of the BMP. A description of how each measurable goal will be evaluated must also be provided.

It was the intent of TCEQ to provide a General Permit for small MS4s with enough flexibility to create a stormwater program to meet the unique individual needs of smaller systems. The program is to be developed by Hickory Creek such that it effectively reduces pollutants to the receiving waters of the United States:

• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 1 Report 
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 2 Report 
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 3 Report
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 4 Report
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 5 Report 2023
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 6 Report 2024
• Hickory Creek MS4 Year 7 Report 2025

Town of Hickory Creek MS4 Map
 

MS4 Owned and Operated Facilities

• Town Hall Detention Pond

Potential or Known Pollutants/Discharges to the Town's Stormwater Facilities

• Nutrients (Phosphorus and Nitrogen) – Runoff from Residential/Commercial lawn and landscaping, fertilizers, pet waste, lawn clippings
• Pesticides and Herbicides
• Sediment, Debris, Refuse from Heavy Rain Events
• Possibility of Oil/Gas

TCEQ Small Business and Local Government Assistance Program 

The TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance Section offers free, confidential help to small businesses and local governments working to comply with state environmental regulations. For more information call 800-447-2827 or visit the website.