The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued the renewed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), TXR050000, for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. Facilities currently covered under the MSGP now have 90 days to evaluate the new requirements, update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and renew their coverage.
The 2026 MSGP became effective on August 14, 2026, and will expire on August 14, 2031. It replaces the 2021 MSGP, which was effective from August 14, 2021, through August 14, 2026.
The renewed MSGP applies to eligible Texas industrial facilities that discharge stormwater associated with industrial activity to surface water in the state. Sites requiring continued coverage must review the new MSGP, update their SWPPP to address applicable new or modified requirements, and submit a renewal Notice of Intent (NOI) through TCEQ’s STEERS e-permitting system by November 12, 2026.
What Changed in the 2026 MSGP?
Key changes in the final 2026 MSGP include:
- Lower benchmark values. Benchmarks for zinc, iron, nitrate + nitrite nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, cyanide, and phosphorus were reduced. Facilities should determine whether the revised benchmarks apply to their sector and evaluate whether changes to best management practices (BMPs), monitoring plans, or compliance tracking tools may be warranted.
- New SWP3 and monitoring provisions. The permit expressly allows electronic SWP3 records and narrows the substantially similar outfalls exception for outfalls subject to Water Quality Monitoring Requirements.
- New permit provisions. The permit codifies an exemption for certain oil and gas activities and prohibits coverage for stormwater discharges associated with the disposal or storage of high-level radioactive waste. The high-level radioactive waste provision is also paired with a new NOI certification requirement.
- Oil and gas sector restructuring. Sectors I and P were revised to remove detailed jurisdictional carve-outs and instead cross-reference the new general oil and gas exemption.
- Revised definition of “Tidal Waters.” The definition now relies on classified tidal segments rather than a functional description and specifies that tidal waters are considered saltwater for standards purposes.
- Administrative revisions. Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone notifications were consolidated to a single TCEQ contact; MS4 notification requirements were clarified to apply to discharges to any receiving MS4, whether or not regulated by TCEQ; and noncompliance reporting contact information was updated.
- Other definitional refinements. The permit updates language for the Edwards Aquifer and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, adds a citation to 30 TAC §213.3, and revises the definition of “Impaired Water” to refer specifically to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.
Don’t Forget NEC Renewals and NOTs
Facilities currently operating under a No Exposure Certification (NEC) must also renew their certification by November 12, 2026. Facilities claiming no exposure should review current site conditions and retain documentation demonstrating that all industrial materials and activities continue to meet the no exposure criteria.
Sites that no longer require MSGP authorization should submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) before September 1, 2026, to avoid assessment of the annual water quality fee.
What Should Facilities Do Now?
With the renewal period underway, now is the time to determine how the new permit affects your facility. Existing permittees should:
- Review the final 2026 MSGP requirements applicable to their sector;
- Evaluate the impact of the revised benchmark values;
- Update the SWPPP and associated inspection, monitoring, and recordkeeping procedures as needed;
- Confirm whether current NOI or NEC coverage remains appropriate; and
- Submit the required renewal through STEERS by November 12, 2026.
Trinity can help make the renewal process easier. Our Texas stormwater team can evaluate how the 2026 changes affect your facility, update your SWPPP, assess benchmark monitoring and BMP implications, and prepare your NOI or NEC renewal before the deadline.
Want a deeper dive into what changed? Join Trinity for our complimentary webinar, Texas Stormwater MSGP: How to Prepare for the Renewal Process and Improve Compliance, where our experts will walk through the new permit requirements, key deadlines, and practical steps facilities should be taking now.
For assistance with your MSGP renewal or stormwater compliance program, please contact Katie Jeziorski in Trinity’s Dallas office at 972.661.8100, reach out to your local Trinity Texas office, or register for the upcoming complimentary webinar.
