Stormwater Quality Experts in Austin
Protecting water resources is a critical responsibility for every development in Central Texas. The Moore Group provides complete stormwater quality engineering services to help clients meet regulatory requirements, preserve natural ecosystems, and promote sustainable growth. For more than 25 years, our engineers have designed effective, compliant stormwater systems that balance development goals with environmental stewardship across Austin and surrounding communities.
Local Knowledge and Environmental Responsibility
Austin and the Central Texas region are home to sensitive watersheds, karst features, and diverse ecological systems that require careful protection during and after construction. The City of Austin’s Environmental Criteria Manual and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) establish strict standards for stormwater management. Our engineers have decades of experience working within these frameworks to design systems that meet regulations while remaining practical and cost-effective to construct.
We regularly assist developers, architects, and municipalities in creating water-quality infrastructure that aligns with both environmental objectives and long-term maintenance needs. Our approach is rooted in technical precision, local understanding, and a commitment to sustainable engineering.
Comprehensive Stormwater Quality Services
Our stormwater quality services extend from early site evaluation to post-construction compliance. Each plan is customized to the site’s physical characteristics, surrounding watershed, and governing regulations.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plans
During construction, preventing sediment and pollutants from leaving the site is essential. We prepare erosion and sediment control plans that outline best management practices for erosion control, sediment containment, and material handling. Our engineers ensure compliance with TCEQ’s Construction General Permit (TXR150000) and provide guidance on the installation and maintenance of temporary controls.
We also assist contractors and owners with compliance monitoring, recordkeeping, and required inspections throughout the duration of construction activities.
Permanent Water Quality Controls
Post-construction stormwater quality is equally important. We design permanent treatment systems such as detention ponds with water-quality components, biofiltration basins, rain gardens, sand filters, and proprietary treatment devices. Each design is tailored to site size, impervious cover, and downstream receiving waters to achieve the required pollutant removal efficiencies.
Our engineers select systems that meet the City of Austin’s Best Management Practices (BMP) standards and TCEQ’s water-quality criteria. We also work with clients to evaluate maintenance access and lifecycle costs to ensure long-term performance.
Low-Impact Development and Green Infrastructure
Whenever feasible, we integrate Low-Impact Development (LID) principles into our stormwater designs. LID techniques reduce runoff volume and improve infiltration through features such as permeable pavements, vegetated swales, and rainwater harvesting systems. These methods not only protect water quality but also enhance site aesthetics and promote sustainable community design.
Our team evaluates each project’s suitability for LID implementation, balancing environmental benefits with constructability and maintenance considerations.
Coordination with Regulatory Agencies
Stormwater quality design often involves coordination with multiple review authorities. Our engineers are experienced in preparing documentation and responding to comments from the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, TCEQ, and regional entities such as the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). We prepare technical reports, pollutant load calculations, and maintenance plans that satisfy reviewer expectations and accelerate approvals.
For developments within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or other environmentally sensitive areas, we prepare and submit Water Pollution Abatement Plans (WPAPs) and Contributing Zone Plans (CZPs) in accordance with TCEQ requirements. Our familiarity with these processes ensures that submittals are complete, compliant, and reviewed efficiently.
Integrating Stormwater Quality with Site Development
Stormwater quality is not an isolated system; it is an integral component of effective site design. Our engineers coordinate water-quality infrastructure with grading, drainage, and utility layouts to ensure compatibility and maximize available space. By addressing stormwater quality early in the design process, we help clients avoid costly redesigns and maintain efficient permitting schedules.
We also work with landscape architects to integrate water-quality features that complement the project’s aesthetic goals. This holistic approach supports both environmental performance and visual appeal, creating developments that are functional, attractive, and responsible.
Long-Term Maintenance and Compliance
A stormwater quality system’s effectiveness depends on consistent maintenance. We assist clients in developing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals and inspection schedules to ensure long-term compliance with permit conditions. Our engineers provide clear, practical guidance for maintaining vegetation, cleaning sediment traps, and monitoring system performance.
We also support municipalities and owners in assessing and rehabilitating older systems that no longer meet current standards. By upgrading existing infrastructure, we help communities reduce runoff impacts and restore compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
Stormwater Retrofits and Rehabilitation
As development intensifies across Central Texas, older properties often require upgrades to meet modern water-quality standards. Our engineers design retrofit solutions for existing detention and treatment systems, incorporating modern BMPs and green infrastructure techniques to improve performance. These retrofits help property owners achieve regulatory compliance while reducing pollutant discharge and improving site function.
Protecting Central Texas Watersheds
The region’s rivers, creeks, and aquifers are vital natural resources that sustain both people and ecosystems. Effective stormwater quality design plays a crucial role in maintaining their health and resilience. Our work supports the long-term protection of watersheds such as Barton Creek, Onion Creek, and the Colorado River Basin by reducing pollutants, controlling sedimentation, and managing runoff from urban and suburban developments.
Through every project, we aim to enhance water quality, protect sensitive environments, and contribute to a cleaner Central Texas for future generations.
Partner with Our Austin Stormwater Engineers
Compliance with stormwater quality regulations can be complex, but with the right engineering partner, it becomes a manageable and transparent process. The Moore Group combines deep regional experience with proven technical expertise to design systems that meet the highest environmental and engineering standards.
Contact our office to discuss your project’s stormwater needs. From erosion and sedimentation control plans to long-term treatment design, our engineers provide dependable solutions that protect water quality and ensure regulatory confidence.