EnviroMentor Program
- About the Program
- Qualifications to Participate in the Program
- Benefits of EnviroMentors
- Getting Help from an EnviroMentor
- Qualifications for Becoming an EnviroMentor
About the Program
Many EnviroMentors are private-sector consultants. Some are engineers; others are successful operators (for example, a wastewater system operator) who provide peer-to-peer advice. Every EnviroMentor is a professional whose job is to know the rules.
The program is managed by TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance (SBLGA) section, which provides confidential assistance without the threat of enforcement. Therefore, EnviroMentor assistance is confidential and does not lead to inspections, citations, or fines.
Qualifications to Participate in the Program
To receive free, confidential help from environmental professionals, you must:
- be a small business with 100 or fewer employees, or a local government;
- be committed to complying with state rules to protect the environment, and to correcting violations as soon as possible;
- be unable to afford to hire a consultant.
How the Program Benefits Small Businesses & Local Governments
By using EnviroMentors, small businesses and local governments benefit from:
- advice on how to comply with environmental laws,
- assistance completing regulatory paperwork, and
- answers to technical questions.
Getting Help from an EnviroMentor
In order to receive assistance from an EnviroMentor, you must first contact the Small Business and Local Government Assistance specialist in the TCEQ region where you are located. They will provide you with necessary paperwork and get you started. Then, the EnviroMentor coordinator will review the information and match you with an EnviroMentor whose expertise matches your needs. See a list of Texas EnviroMentors.
Sign up to Become an EnviroMentor
Volunteer to be an EnviroMentor by sending an e-mail to sbap@tceq.texas.gov. You will be contacted by e-mail to complete the application process. See “Qualifications” below.
TCEQ provides EnviroMentors:
- updates on TCEQ rule changes;
- satisfaction of providing community service and helping the environment;
- recognition for your service;
- increased visibility for your company; and
- an annual meeting to network with other volunteers and TCEQ staff.
EnviroMentors report that they find their participation very rewarding, and SBLGA staff screens customers to ensure that those being assisted are eligible for free assistance.
Qualifications for Becoming an EnviroMentor
Potential EnviroMentors must meet the following qualifications:
Technical
- have a bachelor of science degree, a degree in an environmental field, or comparable experience
- be available to volunteer up to 20 hours a year
Wastewater/Water Utility
- hold a current, Texas-certified, Class C (or above), water or wastewater operator license
- be available to volunteer up to 20 hours a year
Legal
- have a law degree and current membership in the State Bar of Texas
- be available to volunteer up to 20 hours a year
Send an e-mail to sbap@tceq.texas.gov to begin the process of becoming an EnviroMentor. You will be contacted by e-mail to complete the application process.
