- Consideration of Publication to solicit Public Comment on the Draft TMDLs for Legacy
Pollutants in the Arroyo Colorado and Legacy Pollutants in Clear Creek. This issue was
presented by Chuck Mueller, SIP and Mel Vargas, TMDL Section. This issue was approved
as presented.
- Discussion of the Houston-Galveston Area state implementation plan including review of
public comments and discussion of additional pollution reduction strategies, such as the
California diesel engine rule, the California gas can rule, and emissions reductions from
federal actions. This issue was presented by Chuck Mueller, SIP. No action was taken on
this issue. However, staff was directed to prepare a letter to the Environmental Protection
Agency reiterating the difficulty involved in implementing an emissions reduction plan when
30% to 40% of the total emissions, due to such activities as airplane operations,
interstate truck traffic, and Houston ship channel traffic, are out of this agency's control to
reduce.
- Consideration of issues related to regulation of surface facilities associated with non-commercial, non-hazardous Class I injection wells. This issue was postponed until the
October 20 work session.
- Docket No. 2000-0956-RUL. Consideration for publication of the proposed repeal of
existing 30 TAC Section 7.103, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) and the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department (TPWD) and proposed new Section 7.103, Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(commission), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and the Texas
Department of Agriculture (TDA).
The proposed rulemaking implements certain provisions of Senate Bill 873, 76th
Legislature, 1999, requiring an MOU between the three state agencies charged with
regulating aquaculture. (Yvonna Pierce) (Rule Log No. 1999-035-007-WT) This issue was
approved for publication.
- Update and discussion of issues regarding agency's response to the drought. This issue
was presented by Todd Chenoweth, Water Permits and Mike Lannen, Water Permits and
Resource Management. There was no action taken on this item.
- Update and discussion of issues regarding WaterSmart Campaign. This issue was
presented by Andy Saentz, Agency Communications and Linda Fernandez, of the Fernandez
Group. Briefly, WaterSmart is a joint initiative of the TNRCC and the Texas Water
Development Board, with additional funding from the Governor's Office and assistance from
the Division of Emergency Management. The message delivered by the WaterSmart campaign
is simple and effective tips water users can follow to conserve water. Supporting the Water
Smart effort is a statewide campaign of TV and radio announcements in both English and
Spanish. The stations are donating much of the air time through a special program of the Texas
Association of Broadcasters. The centerpiece of the WaterSmart effort is a tool kit of resources
which utilities can use to inform their customers about the workings and limitations of water
systems. The kit contains a T-shirt, bumper sticker, audio cassette, video cassette, and several
informational pamphlets. More information is available at https://www.lcra.org/water/watersmart/Pages/default.aspx No action
was taken on this issue.
- Consideration of activities and comments associated with State Implementation Plans and
update on the 8-hour ozone designation. This issue was not discussed.
- Consideration of legislative implementation affecting the TNRCC and other issues related
to actions taken by the 76th Texas Legislature. The commission may also meet in closed
meeting to receive legal advice regarding these matters, or any of the above matters, as
authorized by Section 551.071 of the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Government
Code. Any commission action, decision, or vote on these matters will be made in open
meeting in accordance with Section 551.102 of the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the
Government Code. No action taken on this issue.
- Planning for the next Commissioners' Work Session. Items scheduled for the October 20
Commissioners' Work Session, in addition to the standing issues, are Enforcement Reports,
Marine Dockside Emissions, Class I injection wells, new air permits net emissions effects on
SIP for non-attainment areas, an overview of the Houston SIP comments, and discussion of
additional upcoming legislative issues not part of the Sunset Commission process.