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What must an erosion control plan include for a Texas construction site?

For Texas sites under TXR150000, erosion and sediment control is part of the SWP3. Controls must limit stormwater volume and velocity, minimize exposed soil, keep sediment on site with perimeter controls (and a sediment basin where feasible for 10+ disturbed acres draining to one point), and stabilization must start by the end of the next work day once work stops for more than 14 days. Many cities also require their own erosion and sedimentation control plan. TXR150000 Part III.F.2, Part IV

This is a general guide. It uses the Texas permit, TXR150000, as the worked example. Requirements differ by state: check the construction general permit that covers your site, or EPA 2022 CGP where EPA is the permitting authority.

Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Prepared by our team led by Mohamed Elansary, PhD. We are not a licensed engineering firm and do not seal plans. General information, not legal advice; the permit text controls.

Design requirements for all sites

Controls must be designed, installed and maintained to: control stormwater volume and velocity; control discharges to minimize channel and streambank erosion; minimize exposed soil; minimize disturbance of steep slopes; minimize sediment discharges (accounting for rainfall and soil particle sizes); keep natural buffers around surface water; preserve topsoil; and minimize soil compaction where vegetation or infiltration will follow. TXR150000 Part IV.A

Stabilization timing

Start stabilization immediately (no later than the end of the next work day) where work has stopped and will not resume for more than 14 calendar days, or has permanently stopped. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(b)iii
Complete stabilization within 14 calendar days of starting, with exceptions for frozen conditions and arid, semi-arid or drought areas. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(b)iii
Record dates of major grading, when work stops on a portion of the site, and when stabilization starts. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(b)ii
Final stabilization is required before permit coverage is terminated. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(b)iv

Sediment controls

Drainage area with 10+ acres disturbed at one time	Sedimentation basin or impoundment where feasible, sized for the 2-year, 24-hour storm from each disturbed acre, or 3,600 cubic feet per acre drained where a calculation cannot be done; equivalent controls (documented) if not feasible; surface-withdrawal outlets unless infeasible. Plus perimeter controls. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(c)i
Under 10 acres	At minimum, silt fence, vegetative buffer strips or equivalent on all downslope boundaries (and side slopes as needed); traps or basins optional. TXR150000 Part III.F.2(c)ii

Note: SWPPP Desk treats sites that need a sediment basin or BMPs that need engineering design as out of scope; the checkout gate stops those orders before payment.

Other controls

Minimize off-site vehicle tracking and dust. TXR150000 Part III.F.4(a)
Velocity dissipation at discharge locations and along outfall channels. TXR150000 Part III.F.4(d)
Controls for pumping or channeling standing water. TXR150000 Part III.F.4(e)

Maintenance

Keep controls in effective condition; fix problems before the next rain if feasible; replace disabled or run-over controls immediately; remove sediment from traps and ponds by 50% of design capacity and from silt fences and berms before 50% of above-ground height; clean up escaped sediment. TXR150000 Part III.F.6

Local erosion control plans

The SWP3 must be consistent with sediment and erosion plans or permits approved by federal, state or local officials, and be updated when those change. TXR150000 Part III.F.5 Some cities require a separate plan with their own sign-off rules; for example, Austin's Environmental Criteria Manual requires its erosion and sedimentation control plan to be signed by a Texas PE or a CPESC. See Austin.

What this page does not cover

Engineering design of sediment basins or channels, city drainage criteria, and landscaping or tree protection ordinances.

Have it written for you

SWPPP Desk prepares site-specific SWPPPs from your drawings for construction sites in the states we cover (coverage by state), for a fixed price, delivered the next business day after your inputs are complete. Small site (1 to under 5 acres): $449. Large site (5 acres or more): $749. Background: all guides.

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