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How often must a Texas SWPPP be inspected, and what must the inspection cover?
Under TXR150000, inspections must happen at least once every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours after a storm of 0.5 inch or more, or, if the SWP3 adopts the alternative schedule, at least once every 7 calendar days regardless of rain. A written report is due within 24 hours of each inspection. TXR150000 Part III.F.8
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.
Who can inspect
Personnel provided by the permittee who are knowledgeable about the permit, the construction activities and the SWP3. Inspectors do not need signatory authority for the reports. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(a)
What to inspect
- Disturbed areas not yet finally stabilized, and areas where stabilization measures are in place.
- Construction support activity areas covered by the permit.
- All stormwater controls, including pollution prevention controls.
- Areas where stormwater typically flows, and points of discharge.
- Vehicle entrances and exits for off-site sediment tracking.
Schedules
| Situation | Minimum frequency |
|---|---|
| Standard | Every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of the end of a 0.5-inch or greater storm (including smaller storms totaling 0.5 inch in 24 hours). If the window falls outside working hours, by the end of the next business day. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)i |
| Alternative | Every 7 calendar days, rain or not, if the SWP3 says so. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)v |
| Areas finally or temporarily stabilized | At least monthly. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)ii |
| Frozen conditions | At least monthly until thawing, with dates recorded. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)iii |
| Arid, semi-arid or drought-stricken areas | Monthly and within 24 hours after a 0.5-inch storm, with rainfall and dates recorded. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)iv |
| Linear projects with limited access | Representative inspections allowed (0.25 mile each side of access points) on the 14-day/0.5-inch schedule, or every 7 days. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(d) |
The schedule can change at most once per calendar month, in the first five business days, with the reason recorded in the SWP3. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(c)vi
Inspection reports
Complete a report within 24 hours that includes the inspection date(s) and major observations: where erosion or sediment discharge occurred, BMPs needing maintenance, BMPs that failed or are inadequate, and where more BMPs are needed. Record actions taken and their dates. Each report identifies any non-compliance, or certifies compliance if none, and is signed per 30 TAC 305.128. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(f) A printable layout is on our SWPPP inspection form page.
After the inspection
- Revise the SWP3 within 7 calendar days when inspections show it is needed; install changes before the next storm where possible. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(g)
- Maintain controls before the next rain event if feasible; replace disabled or run-over controls immediately; remove sediment before it reaches 50% of silt fence height or 50% of trap capacity. TXR150000 Part III.F.6
Adverse conditions
Inspections may be suspended for dangerous conditions or lack of access (for example flooding), documented with date and time, witnesses and a narrative, then done as soon as access is practicable. TXR150000 Part III.F.8(e)
Dewatering
On days with dewatering discharges, dewatering controls must be observed at least once per day, with a report within 24 hours. TXR150000 Part III.F.7
SWPPP Desk does not perform inspections; our plans include the inspection, rain and corrective action logs.
What this page does not cover
Third-party inspector certifications, city-specific inspection programs, and EPA CGP inspection rules.
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.
Related guides
- What is a SWP3?
- What is a SWPPP?
- SW3P, SWP3 and SWPPP: the same plan
- TCEQ SWPPP requirements
- TXR150000: the Texas construction general permit
- TCEQ stormwater permit for construction
- TCEQ NOI: filing in STEERS
- What goes in a SWPPP plan
- SWPPP template (TCEQ RG-639)
- SWPPP inspection form
- Erosion control plan requirements in Texas