Delivering Consistent Stormwater Compliance Across Houston-Area Rail Facilities
Challenge
Multiple Class 1 railroad facilities across the Houston metropolitan area require ongoing stormwater compliance support to meet federal and state industrial stormwater permit requirements. These facilities include active rail operations, material handling areas, and industrial infrastructure with potential exposure to stormwater.
The client needed a consistent, repeatable compliance program that could be implemented across multiple sites/yards while accommodating active operations, complex site conditions and frequent rainfall events typical of the Gulf Coast region. Maintaining regulatory compliance without disrupting rail operations was paramount.
Solution
TRC developed and implemented facility-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for multiple railroad facilities throughout the Houston area in accordance with applicable industrial stormwater permit requirements. Each SWPPP was tailored to site-specific conditions and operational activities and included detailed identification of potential pollutant sources, drainage patterns and stormwater discharge points.
Our scientists and engineers continue to conduct quarterly stormwater inspections at each facility to evaluate compliance with SWPPP requirements, assess the condition and effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) and identify corrective actions as needed. Visual assessments of stormwater discharges are also performed during qualifying rain events, with observations documented to evaluate water quality characteristics such as color, clarity, odor and the presence of sheen, foam, or debris.
The program includes ongoing updates to SWPPPs, addressing non-conformances, comprehensive documentation of inspection and monitoring results and close coordination with site personnel to support implementation, staff awareness, training and corrective action tracking.
Services provided include:
- Multi-Facility SWPPP Development and Implementation
- Quarterly Stormwater Inspections
- Rain-Event Visual Stormwater Assessments
- BMP Evaluation and Optimization
- Non-Conformance Correction
- Corrective Action Tracking and Documentation
- Regulatory Compliance Support and Reporting
Results
TRC’s multi-facility stormwater compliance program provides a consistent and practical framework for managing stormwater across active rail operations while maintaining regulatory compliance. Routine inspections and rain-event visual assessments support early identification of potential issues and timely corrective actions, reducing the risk of unauthorized discharges.
The standardized approach strengthens documentation, enhances operational awareness and supports continued compliance across all Houston-area facilities, allowing the client to confidently manage stormwater obligations while maintaining uninterrupted rail operations.