What Happens If My Stormwater Permit Expires?
If your facility operates under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP), keeping your stormwater permit current is essential to maintaining compliance.
The current TPDES MSGP expires on August 14, 2026. Facilities covered under the permit have a 90-day renewal period to submit their renewal electronically through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) STEERS system.
But what happens if you wait too long?
The Risks of an Expired Stormwater Permit
Allowing your stormwater permit coverage to lapse can have significant consequences. If your facility continues to discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity without valid permit coverage, you may no longer be authorized under the general permit.
This can increase the risk of:
Noncompliance with state and federal environmental regulations
Potential enforcement actions or penalties
Increased scrutiny during inspections
Operational disruptions while permit coverage is restored
The best way to avoid these issues is to begin the renewal process well before the deadline.
Renewal Is More Than Clicking "Submit"
Many facilities assume a permit renewal simply involves completing an online application. In reality, the renewal period is an excellent opportunity to review your environmental compliance program and ensure your documentation reflects current operations.
Before renewing, consider reviewing:
Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Site maps and drainage patterns
Industrial activities and material storage areas
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Spill prevention and response procedures
Facility contacts and responsible personnel
Monitoring, inspection, and training records
If your facility has expanded, changed operations, added equipment, or modified drainage since the last permit cycle, your SWPPP and supporting documentation may need to be updated.
Keeping these documents current not only supports permit compliance but also helps your team prepare for inspections and operate more efficiently.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Although facilities have 90 days after August 14, 2026 to renew through STEERS, waiting until the end of the renewal window can create unnecessary stress.
Starting early provides time to:
Gather required information
Review and update your SWPPP
Address operational changes
Resolve questions before submission
Submit a complete and accurate renewal application
A little preparation now can help prevent delays and reduce the risk of compliance issues later.
How Latitudes Environmental Can Help
Stormwater permit renewals don't have to be overwhelming.
Latitudes Environmental assists industrial facilities throughout the renewal process by:
Reviewing permit applicability
Updating Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)
Evaluating facility changes and Best Management Practices
Preparing and submitting renewal documentation through STEERS
Helping facilities maintain compliance throughout the permit cycle
Whether your facility needs a simple renewal or a comprehensive review of its stormwater program, our team is here to help make the process straightforward and efficient.
If your facility is covered under the TPDES Multi Sector General Permit, now is the time to begin preparing for renewal. Starting early helps ensure your permit coverage remains uninterrupted and your compliance program stays up to date.]