The Fern Bluff MUD operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Click Here for Permit) and works to prevent pollution of runoff into our creeks, rivers and lakes. The permit covers a span of 5 years, we submit an Annual Report (Click Here for Report) detailing our progress.
2019 Proposal For Authorization To Discharge Stormwater Under TPDES
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff is the water that flows after a rainfall. During rainstorms, water drains off driveways, parking lots and streets picking up pollutants while flowing to the storm sewer system. Once the storm water enters the storm sewer system of inlets, curb cuts, pipes or drainage channels, it flows downstream to the nearest creek, river or lake.
What is urban runoff?
Urban runoff is water from irrigation, car washing, over watering and other sources which also travel into the streets and storm sewer system.
What is the difference between the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system?
Water that flows down the drains into a sanitary sewer system (from sinks or toilets) flows to a sewer treatment plant where it is filtered and treated prior to being released to creeks, rivers and lakes. All stormwater and urban runoff flows directly to nearby creeks, rivers and lakes. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is then discharged, untreated, into these water bodies which we use for drinking water, swimming and recreation.
What are the effects of storm water Pollution?
Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, grease or motor oil can poison aquatic life and contaminate drinking water sources. Sediment, such as grass clippings and leaves can destroy aquatic habitat by causing algae blooms and removing oxygen from water. Debris from storm drains, such as plastic bags, bottles and six-pack rings washed into creeks and streams can choke and suffocate aquatic life and birds. All stormwater and urban runoff water flows directly to nearby creeks, rivers and lakes. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is then discharged, untreated, into these water bodies which we use for drinking water, swimming and recreation.
What can you do to help?
The easiest way to keep our area waters clean is to remove the pollutants from the very beginning.
Should you have chemicals, paint, and cleansers to dispose of, the District provides Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) vouchers at no charge to MUD residents. The City of Round Rock Recycling Center at 310 Deep Wood Drive allows residents of the Fern Bluff MUD to bring all HHW to its center. You must first obtain a voucher from the MUD office and HHW days are the first Wednesday of each month 3 pm to 6pm. Please see our HHW page on this site.
Remember: Only rain belongs in drains! No person shall illegally discharge into the District’s storm water drainage system. Violators may be responsible for all costs of repairing or restoring the drainage system as well as subject to a damage fee of $250.00 per day per violation.
Please report illegal dumping into our storm drains by calling the MUD office at (512) 238-0606 or email to customerservice@fernbluffmud.org.
Should you have questions, please contact us at the previous listed number or email. In Texas, the EPA delegated authority to issue permits for its TPDES (Texas Pollutant Discharge System) program to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In 2007, TCEQ designated the Fern Bluff MUD as a small MS4 and since that time, the district has been working on its SWMP (Storm Water Management Plan) and continues to develop its Best Management Practices (BMPs) including public education and outreach as well as illicit discharge detection and elimination. For more information on storm water, please go to the links below:
- What Is “Surface Water in the State”? – TCEQ || https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater/TXR15_surface_water.html
- Stormwater Permits for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) – TCEQ || https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater/ms4
- Stormwater Permitting Requirements for Phase II (Small) MS4s – TCEQ || https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/stormwater/ms4/WQ_ms4_small.html
- National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) | US EPA || https://www.epa.gov/npdes/
