TCEQ approves fines totaling $1,115,124

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $1,115,124 against 105 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.

Agreed orders were issued for the following enforcement categories: one agricultural, 14 air quality, one dry cleaner, two Edwards Aquifer, one industrial hazardous waste, six industrial waste discharge, two licensed irrigator, seven multi-media, three municipal solid waste, six municipal waste discharge, one on-site sewage facility installers, 22 petroleum storage tank, nine public water system, one utilities, five water quality, and one water right.

Penalties were also assessed in one air case, two petroleum storage tank cases and one multi-media case, following hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

There were seven field citations. In addition, default orders were issued for the following categories: one irrigation licensing, one municipal solid waste, three petroleum storage tank, three public water system, and three utilities. A default and shut down order was issued in one petroleum storage tank case.

Included in the total is a fine of $171,178 against TOTAL Petrochemicals USA, Inc. in Jefferson County for air violations stemming from excess air emissions in 2009. Of the total, $85,589 will be given to the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission to operate, maintain and possibly expand the existing Southeast Texas Regional Air Monitoring Network.

The TCEQ's next agenda meeting is scheduled for August 3. 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 at TexasAdMin.com.