What the Renewed MS4 Permit Means for Texas Municipalities
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is leading the charge for regulatory updates to protect Texas waterways. As part of the Clean Water Act’s framework, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, including Texas’ Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit, are limited to a maximum term of five years. The recent renewal of TCEQ’s 2019 Phase II MS4 general permit marks a significant step in strengthening water quality protections as the state navigates unprecedented urban growth. The renewal period remains open until February 2025, offering permittees time to comply; enforcement actions could begin after that deadline.
