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Builders in Texas Avoid Storm Water Fines
Texas environmental officials joined leaders of the Texas Association of Builders earlier this summer at a signing ceremony for a storm water management agreement that is the first of its kind in the nation.
Under the agreement, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be working in cooperation with the state’s home builders to prevent storm water pollution, which in residential construction usually involves sediment runoff from job sites.
The three partners will work together on a pilot program to more fully educate, inform and assist home builders with meeting federal and state storm water regulations.
“Small changes in the way builders do business can make a big difference when it comes to keeping pollution out of storm water,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said at the ceremony. “This project is another great example of how innovative partnerships between EPA, states and businesses can lead to better ways to protect one of our most valuable liquid assets.”
“It is gratifying to see government and industry working together voluntarily to protect the environment,” said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia. “This agreement will mean better compliance, and that means better protection of our precious water resources.”
More than 1,300 Texas builders have received storm water compliance training through initiatives developed by the state home builders association, TCEQ and EPA in 2005 and 2007. The association was honored for its training programs as part of the NAHB Executive Officers Council Association Excellence Awards.
Under the new agreement, association members who complete the training and a self-assessment checklist can display a “Storm Water Self-Certified” sticker on construction permits. Sites that display the certification sticker will be a lower priority for routine inspections.
“Our membership has worked diligently to comply with state and federal storm water regulations, and we are honored that our successful training partnership with the EPA and TCEQ has resulted in this historic agreement,” said Ron Connally, first vice president of the Texas Association of Builders. “Our association is committed to providing continuing education to Texas builders to help further reduce storm water runoff and protect the environment.”
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
 'Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers' Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides a starting point for builders and developers to use in locating and understanding storm water permitting requirements.
The publication has been prepared to help builders comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's storm water requirements, and includes information on state permitting programs and more than 50 of the most commonly used best management practices. Also included are tips on compliance, including how to handle visits from inspectors.
To view or purchase this guide online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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