In addition to our existing program to eliminate illicit connections, this section monitors numerous points of discharge into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). These sites are monitored during dry and wet weather conditions to locate and eliminate illicit connections. Inspections are also conducted at industrial facilities that are required to have permit coverage for storm water run-off and at commercial facilities believed to adding significant pollutants to the MS4.
This section collects representative monitoring samples from different sites located throughout Harris County
The Harris County Regulations for Storm Water Quality Management and The City of Houston Ordinance became effective October 1, 2001 and can be found
here under the heading, "Professional." The current version of the Harris County Regulations are also located at Harris County Engineering.
Another aspect of the Storm Water Program involves how chemicals from your home can affect our waterways. To learn more about proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), go to the Harris County HHW Collection Facility website at
www.hchhw.org
Visit
Clean Water Clear Choice for more information about Storm Water.
Sizing and Servicing Requirements for Grease Traps
Harris County's Recommendations
The sizing requirements for grease traps that are part of an onsite sewage facility fall under the jurisdiction of Harris County for regulation as an authorized agent of the State under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. These requirements shall continue to follow County regulation.
The sizing requirements for grease traps that are part of an outfall into a public sewer system typically do not fall under Harris County’s jurisdiction, but rather that of the sewer system’s owner, like a Municipal Utility District. Therefore Harris County does not require, but rather recommends:
- Sizing be consistent with the City of Houston requirements. Those requirements currently state that grease traps and interceptors shall be sized according to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Chapter 10.
- Servicing requirements: Grease traps shall be cleaned every 90 days, or more frequently if the operating capacity is more than 25% full of solids and/or Fats, Oils, and Grease.