Emergency Preparedness Plan Template Page for Water Systems in Harris and Fort Bend Counties
Deadlines
Affected utilities which serve water into Fort Bend County which began serving water before November 1, 2011 and affected utilities which serve water into Harris County which began serving water between December 1, 2009 and November 1, 2011
New systems in Fort Bend County and Harris County that will begin serving water after November 1, 2011, must have an approved EPP before serving water to customers.
Template
The Template contains 8 options for your water system to comply with the EPP requirement. However, your options may be limited by the type of water system you operate.
If you must comply with the EPP requirement, then start by saving the EPP shell (form TCEQ-20536) to your computer:
Emergency Preparedness Plan Shell in Word
Options for Water System Compliance with the EPP Requirement
1. Water systems that supply surface water to one or more wholesale customers, have two options:
· Install and maintain automatically starting auxiliary generators. Example
· Install and maintain distributive generating facilities.
2. All other water systems may choose from the following 8 options:
Option 1: Example - Maintain your own automatically-starting auxiliary generators.
Option 2: Example - Purchase water from another system.
· Provide an agreement between your affected utility and another water system that shows that the provider will furnish your system with 35 psi at each of the system’s customers.
· Provide an agreement between your affected utility and another water system that shows that the provider will furnish water to your storage tank. Then choose another option for how you will power the service pumps.
Option 3: Negotiate to receive alternative power equipment during an emergency. This agreement must provide for coordination with the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management.
· Example - This option includes systems wanting to utilize The Texas Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (TXWARN).
· Provide a contract or lease agreement to TCEQ showing the leasing of the necessary equipment.
Option 4: Use portable generators capable of serving multiple facilities equipped with quick-connect systems.
Option 5: Use on-site electrical generation or distributed generation equipment.
· For example, a wind or solar electrical generation plant located at the affected utility.
Option 6: Harden the electrical transmission and electrical distribution system against damage from natural disasters during an extended power outage.
· For example, burying the electrical transmission lines underground.
Option 7: Example - For existing facilities, maintain direct engine or right angle drives.
Option 8: Finally, submit a proposal to TCEQ demonstrating that your system will meet the 35 psi requirement during an emergency. If we find it acceptable, we will approve your EPP.
· Please note that evacuation is not an approvable option.
3. Fill in each item in the template. Do not leave any items on page 1 to 6 blank. If an item does not apply to your utility, write N/A in that space.
4. Submit your completed EPP to TCEQ at:
Public Drinking Water MC-155
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
PO Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
TCEQ will review your EPP and, if acceptable, approve it.
5. Begin implementing your approved EPP by deadline. In other words, by this date you must begin the steps outlined in your approved EPP.
How can I check the status of my EPP?
· Because all EPP information is confidential, detailed information is not available on-line. Please call 512-239-EPP1 (512-239-3771) or send an email PDWEPP@tceq.texas.gov for the status of your EPP.
How can I find out more about the EPP template?
· Please call 512-239-EPP1 (512-239-3771) or send an email to PDWEPP@tceq.texas.gov.
