The Advocate
The Advocate is a periodic update on TCEQ rules, including information about compliance issues and regulatory concerns that affect small businesses and local governments. It’s produced by the TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance Section.
Deadline to Renew Your Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit Coverage
January 2025 – The Small (Phase II) MS4 General Permit (TXR040000) renewal period ends Feb. 11, 2025. Small MS4 operators that fail to renew by the deadline will be out of compliance which may result in violations and potential fines.
Compliance Deadline is Jan. 1, 2025 for New and Amended Rules in Ozone Nonattainment Areas
November 2024—TCEQ revised Title 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapters 115 and 117 regarding volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions controls. These updates pertain to Bexar County, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB), which are designated as ozone nonattainment areas classified as either severe or moderate.
Texas Rural Water Association Free Apprenticeship Webinar
November 2024 — Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area are hosting a FREE webinar that explores the transformative power of apprenticeships in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Webinars on New Annual Reporting Requirements for Scrap Tire Generators and Land Reclamation Projects Using Tires (LRPUTs)
October 2024—TCEQ Scrap Tire Program is hosting three FREE webinars for scrap tire generators and operators of LRPUTs to provide training on the new annual reporting requirements due Dec. 31, 2024.
Free Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Renewal Events
October 2024—TCEQ is hosting two FREE events for MS4 owners and operators to explain the 2024 Phase II MS4 General Permit renewal requirements and how to obtain a new or renewal authorization.
Texas Rural Water Association Hosts Free Webinars on Water and Wastewater Technology
September 2024—TRWA is partnering with Waterly to offer free webinars on changes in technology within the water and wastewater industries. TCEQ has approved continuing education units for these webinars.
TCEQ Advanced Air Permitting Seminar
September 2024—TCEQ is hosting the Advanced Air Permitting Seminar on Oct. 17, 2024. Join in virtually or attend in person in Austin, Texas.
Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit Renewal
September 2024—The Small MS4 General Permit (TXR040000) renewed Aug. 15, 2024. Small MS4 operators need to obtain coverage under the new permit.
Water System User Training: SWIFT Submittals – Lead Service Line Inventory
August 2024—Please join us online for this informative webinar on Aug. 28, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar: What is CMOM for Wastewater Collection Systems?
August 2024—On Aug. 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m., EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits.
Small Business and Local Government Assistance at TCEQ
August 2024—The Small Business and Local Government Assistance (SBLGA) program provides resources specifically tailored to help small businesses and local governments comply with environmental regulations.
21st Annual Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) Workshop
July 2024—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Austin Water, and Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) are presenting the 21st Annual CMOM Workshop at the Austin Convention Center on Aug. 5-6, 2024.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar: Energy Efficiency as a Pathway Towards Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure
June 2024—On June 27 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits.
Free Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Compliance Webinars
June 2024—TCEQ is hosting FREE webinars for petroleum underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators to explain reporting and record-keeping requirements.
TCEQ Public Drinking Water Conference
May 2024—Please join us in-person or online for this year’s Public Drinking Water Conference on August 6-7, 2024, in Austin, Texas.
Drought Response for Public Water Systems
May 2024—Hot summer months are approaching, bringing dry conditions to the state. Public water systems may start to see a strain on their water supplies.
Free Water Filters for Schools and Child Care Facilities
April 2024—Join Us for a Webinar May 1 to Learn More About Our Free Program
TCEQ 2024 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference
April 2024—Join us at our 2024 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference May 14-15 at the Austin Convention Center.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar: What Does Your Permit Say? Part 2 – A Look at Pretreatment and Biosolids Requirements for POTWs
February 2024—On Feb. 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT, EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits.
Revised Rule on Inventory Control for Retail Service Stations
February 2024—TCEQ has adopted and revised Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 334 which regulates inventory control at retail service stations for underground storage tanks.
Upcoming Deadline for MSGP Facilities to Report in NetDMR
February 2024—Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) facilities must submit electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports of all required monitoring results by March 31, 2024.
Delayed Renewal for Phase II (Small) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) General Permit
January 2024—The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has delayed the renewal of the Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) general permit for small MS4s, TXR040000, until August 2024.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar: NPDES Permit Overview and Reporting for POTWs – What Does Your Permit Say?
January 2024—On Jan. 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT, EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits.
Temporary Waivers for Certain TPDES Electronic Reporting Requirements
December 2023—You may need to continue to submit Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) reports in paper format—under a temporary waiver—because the electronic reporting tools are not yet available for the following federal reporting requirements:
EPA Announces Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)
December 2023—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed LCRI on Nov. 30, 2023.
TCEQ Seeks Stakeholder Input on Upcoming Rulemaking Related to On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSFs)
December 2023—TCEQ is holding seven stakeholder meetings from December 2023 to March 2024 to present and take comments on rulemaking for OSSFs.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar: Wipes in Collection Systems
October 2023—EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works on Thursday, Nov. 2nd from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT.
EPA’s Free Technical Assistance Webinar—Fats, Oils, and Grease: What We Know After 23 Years of FOG Work
October 2023—EPA is conducting a free webinar for owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works on Thursday, Oct. 12th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT.
TCEQ Hosts the Water Quality/Stormwater Seminar
September 2023—Please join us at the Water Quality/Stormwater Seminar on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023!
Drought Response for Public Water Systems
September 2023—Extreme drought conditions have returned to Texas, and dry conditions are predicted to continue or worsen for the state. Public water systems may start to see a strain on their water supplies. TCEQ is encouraging public water systems to take reasonable measures to increase conservation efforts and identify and secure alternative water supplies to meet water needs.