Implementing the Surface Water Quality Standards in Permitting
What Are The Implementation Procedures?
The TCEQ is responsible for maintaining and enhancing water quality in the state. One aspect of that responsibility involves implementation of the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards when issuing permits for wastewater discharges to surface waters of the state. The TCEQ issues Wastewater Permits under a program called the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES).
The TCEQ maintains a document entitled “Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards” (Implementation Procedures) that explains procedures used to apply water quality standards to permits issued under the TPDES program. This guidance document is updated as needed to reflect changes in the water quality standards and in agency policy and procedures. The implementation procedures are subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and approval.
Current 2010 Implementation Procedures
On June 30, 2010, the Commission approved a revision to the Implementation Procedures. The EPA has reviewed the June 2010 Implementation Procedures and has approved all but the following sections for use in TPDES permitting: whole effluent toxicity testing, dechlorination requirements for minor domestic wastewater treatment facilities, and variances. The TCEQ continues to work with the EPA to resolve these remaining issues.
Draft 2012 Implementation Procedures
On January 11, 2012, the Commission approved for public comment a draft revision of the 2010 Implementation Procedures. The draft 2012 Implementation Procedures revision was proposed to address EPA objections to portions of the 2010 Implementation Procedures but has not been approved by the Commission or EPA for use in wastewater permitting.
Previous Implementation Procedures
For More Information
For information on the Implementation Procedures, contact Standards Implementation Team at 512-239-4671 or ipcommnt@tceq.texas.gov. You may also send a fax to 512-239-4420 or a letter to TCEQ, Attn: Standards Implementation Team, MC-150, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.
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