TCEQ approves fines totaling $1,313,411

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $1,068,720 against 36 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.

Agreed orders were issued for the following enforcement categories: seven air quality, two multi-media, one municipal solid waste, six municipal waste discharge, eight petroleum storage tank, and four public water system.

Default orders were issued for the following categories: one air quality, one licensed irrigator, and five petroleum storage tank (one of which was a default and shutdown order).

In addition, fines were assessed in one municipal waste discharge case following hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Included in the total are fines of $631,628 against DCP Midstream, LP in Panola County for 11 air violations stemming from an inspection on Aug. 9, 2011. Of the total, $315,814 will be used by the Texas Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Clean School Bus Replacement Program to be applied toward the purchase of cleaner school buses.

On June 21 and 28, the executive director approved 100 agreed orders each $7,500 or less, totaling $244,691.

The TCEQ's next agenda meeting is scheduled for August 8. Agenda items from all commission meetings and work session agendas can be viewed on the TCEQ website. The meeting is also webcast live for free, and archived meetings are available.