Owners may not realize that the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) requires acknowledgment of United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting for work done in HCFCD rights-of-way (ROW). HCFCD designs, implements and maintains flood infrastructure in Harris County. Businesses looking to expand their existing developments or looking to build new developments within Harris County are subject to HCFCD regulations. This can require: A Wetlands Delineation to investigate potential Waters of the United States (WOTUS) or other regulated waters under USACE jurisdiction within the project area. A Threatened & Endangered Species Review to determine the presence of protected species. A Cultural Resources Review to assess Read More »
A Stormwater Quality (SWQ) Permit is an approval issued by either the city or county that ensures a construction project includes measures to manage and reduce pollution in stormwater runoff, both during and after construction. The most commonly permitted Permanent Storm Water Quality Features (PSWQF) are ponds and stormwater interceptors. However, this begs the question as to how one obtains an SWQ Permit? After the engineering drawings have been approved the permitting process involves the submission of an affidavit to the public which is recorded with the county clerk, application fees, and a Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). However, a Read More »
As of March 12th, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers released a new Memorandum that provides clarity and guidance on the term “continuous surface connection” as related to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Memorandum adds new limitations on the EPA’s enforcement abilities and revises older policies and interpretations. The EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers are stepping back from previous interpretations that allowed jurisdiction over wetlands with connections through “discrete features” not natural connectivity. Now, wetlands that are not directly connected to Read More »
Environmental Compliance Starts with Smart Stormwater Management Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSCI) is proud to offer industry-leading Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) services, supporting developers, municipalities, and industrial clients in achieving regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. With over 39 years of experience, SSCI delivers customized SWQMP solutions that are both practical and sustainable, ensuring our clients meet applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Plan Development SSCI develops tailored SWQMPs that align with the specific needs of your site and regulatory requirements. Our thorough site assessments and pollutant source evaluations guide the development of effective, results-driven stormwater strategies. Technical Drawings Our Read More »
Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs) Stay Compliant & Optimize Your Fuel Systems Notice of Construction (NOC) Submission Get instant acknowledgment by submitting a Notice of Construction (NOC) via STEERS EPermits. This system allows submissions for both new and existing facilities. Only the latest TCEQ-0495 Underground & Aboveground PST Construction Notification (NOC) will be accepted. Forms with a revision date before June 2024 (lower left corner) will no longer be processed. Fill out all sections except Part G: Consultant Information. Faster Processing with STEERS We highly recommend using STEERS EPermits to submit: Renewals Owner/operator updates Tank updates, including: Temporarily Out of Service Read More »
As of August 14, 2024, the TCEQ has adopted the 2024 TPDES Phase II (Small) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit. This permit applies to new or expanded urban areas with a population of at least 50,000 people in the 2020 Decennial Census. Applications for the MS4 General Permit (TXR040000) must be submitted to the TCEQ by February 11, 2025. Municipalities, industries, and developers in the Houston area must act promptly to develop or update their Stormwater Management Programs (SWMPs) before submitting their applications. Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSCI) offers Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) services designed to Read More »
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Investigators often observe violations during Industrial and Hazardous Waste (IHW) compliance evaluations and investigations. Here are some Common Issues: Failure to conduct weekly inspections of the container storage area. Failure to properly label containers of paint and paint related waste managed as universal waste. Failure to close containers of of hazardous waste when not adding or removing waste. Failure to properly date universal waste containers/or maintain a correct record of the accumulation date. Failure to have containers clearly marked and visible with accumulation start date. Failure to have containers labeled “Hazardous Waste”. Failure to Read More »
SSCI incorporates an Axillary AST and redesign of generator belly-tanks to increase emergency power run-time from 21 hours to 165 hours – 6.9 days. The first step: Increase backup fuel capacity from 21 to 37 hours at 50% load by doubling the existing generator belly-tank capacity. The second step: Implemented a strategic and flexible fuel storage design by incorporating a new 5,000-gallon AST, automatic refill systems, and emergency backup power connections extending generator run-time to an impressive 165 hours (6.9 days) at 50% load. 1. Needs analysis, full PE-sealed engineering drawings, permit preparation, and regulatory document submissions. 2. Design and Read More »
Engineering services Environmental services
Secure Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs): Compliance and Testing
Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs) Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) and Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs), are vital components within the fuel industry, frequently found at gas stations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of PSTs, construction materials, safety considerations, environmental impacts, and the essential role of a Texas-licensed engineer. Furthermore, we’ll highlight an upcoming regulatory change from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which mandates lead testing for all PSTs constructed before a specified date. SSCI stands ready to assist with this testing requirement. Types of PSTs: Underground Storage Tanks (USTs): USTs are buried below ground, commonly used Read More »
Detention Ponds Engineering services Environmental services
Detention Pond Maintenance Tips and Stormwater Quality Permit
Most counties and cities require annual inspections and periodic re- permitting of detention and retention ponds. SSCI can assist you in renewing your annual Houston Public Works Stormwater Quality Permit. Be sure your contractor understands and can remediate ALL violations for your failed facility (i.e. a landscaper may re-vegetate well, but they may not be the best option if you have other maintenance issues). Specific violations are noted on the inspection report page and on the code form page in your information packet. Ponds must be restored to ALL design specifications. Wet detention pond: a pond designed to have a Read More »