Industrial Inspection Program


City of Plano Inspections
Storm Water Management
telephone 972-941-7143
email mikew@plano.gov

TCEQ Storm Water Hotlines
The TCEQ hotline for general information is 512-239-3700
For technical questions only, call 512-239-4433


Multi-Sector General Permit

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved the general TPDES permit replacing the EPA multi-sector general permit (MSGP). The TPDES permit covers eligible storm water and certain non-storm water discharges from industrial facilities and became effective on August 20, 2001. More information is available on the TCEQ web site at:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/nav/permits/sw_industrial.html

Operators of facilities that meet the definition of "Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity" must either submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) application form to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to obtain coverage under the general permit or apply for an individual permit. (Construction Activity is covered by a separate permit). The NOI must be mailed to:

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Storm Water & General Permits Team; MC-214
P.O. Box 13088
Austin, Texas 78711-3088

Please note that a copy of the NOI must also be submitted to the City of Plano Health Department. The address is:

Notice of Intent to Discharge Storm Water
Storm Water Management
1520 Ave K Suite 210
Plano, Texas 75074

What to Expect from the City Inspectors

The City's Industrial Inspection Program was created as a requirement of the City's NPDES Storm Water Permit with the EPA. For the purposes of compliance with the permit, the City must inspect (1) SARA Title III Section 313 industrial facilities, (2) hazardous waste treatment, disposal or recovery facilities, (3) municipal facilities under NPDES regulations and (4) industries that discharge, or have the potential to discharge, substantial pollutant loadings to the storm drain system. Each of these facilities must be inspected once every five years, at a minimum. These inspections are based upon EPA criteria and primarily include a review of the facility's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a physical inspection of the facility to identify any potential sources of storm water pollution.

Storm Water Management Division has taken a unique approach in performing these inspections. As a regulatory agency, the City has the authority to impose fines and initiate state and federal investigations upon non-compliant industries. However, the federal storm water regulations are not only complicated, they are new to many industries.

Storm Water Management Division is cognizant of this and has taken an approach of education and cooperation with the industries, as opposed to enforcement. When our inspectors visit an industry for the first time, they will perform a comprehensive review of the industry's SWPPP. Any deficiencies in the SWPPP are noted and the industry is given 30 days to make appropriate corrections. During this initial phase, the inspector is willing to assist the industry gain compliance with its permit.

At the end of the 30 day period, the inspector reviews the SWPPP again and notes whether the facility is in compliance. In some cases, the industry may not be in compliance at the end of the 30 day period. Storm Water Management recognizes that in some special cases, 30 days may not be enough time to make major changes. In such cases, Storm Water Management will continue to work with the industry until the industry is in compliance. Industries that do not obtain permits or make reasonable efforts to implement SWPPPs will be forwarded to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for enforcement action. Also, Storm Water Management may issue citations with fines ranging from $200 to $2,000 per violation/per day.
For additional information on the inspection process, please contact Storm Water Management at 972-941-7143.

Tools for Operators of Industrial Facilities

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NOI Form (TCEQ Form No. 10382 )

Standard Industrial Classifications Index

Texas Nonpoint Source Book
A good source for information about Best Management Practices.

U.S. Census Bureau - Tiger Mapping Service
The NOI requires latitude and longitude of the permitted facility. This site can assist.