Environmental Services: MS4 Permit

Mission Statement: The environmental services strives to educate and inform the community about pollution prevention while meeting all storm water permit requirements as defined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

General Overview: The Environmental Services Division provides public education and outreach activities to educate the citizens (young and old) about the flood risks, flood event preparedness, pollution prevention techniques, hurricane preparedness, and other environmental benefits that are in line with the requirements of Municipal Storm Sewer Separate System (MS4) Permit issued by TCEQ, and Community Rating System (CRS) managed by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA). The division also responds to complaints from environmental pollution, illegal dumping, etc.

MS4 Permit
Permit Definition
Annual Report

MS4 means Municipal Separated Storm sewer system. For a municipality running separate storm and sewer systems, there are required activities to protect and conserve natural resources and the environment in general. The system includes ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff that is completely separate from a wastewater collection system and treatment plant. In other word, the water from precipitation (rain) is not treated. It falls on streets and other surfaces, goes into storm drains and directly to waterways and Galveston Bay. This water is where recreational fishing and swimming occur; since it is not treated, we should protect and care for the storm system. More information on this permit, activities and public outreach efforts supported by this permitting process is available in this guide.

For additional information, click here for a general overview of the Stormwater Phase II Small MS4 Program Requirements.