Small Business and Local Government Assistance at TCEQ

TCEQ’s SBLGA webpage, TexasEnviroHelp.org , includes resources specifically tailored to help small businesses and local governments comply with environmental regulations. The SBLGA program provides free and confidential technical assistance without the threat of enforcement. 

SBLGA has Compliance Assistance Specialists in every part of the state. You can use TCEQ’s Regional Directory to find your nearest Compliance Assistance Specialist. They can provide clear guidance on environmental regulations, help your business obtain permits, and offer technical support through in-person visits, phone calls, emails, and online resources. You can also contact the SBLGA hotline at 800-447-2827 or email TexasEnviroHelp@tceq.texas.gov for further assistance.

Free Compliance Webinars

TCEQ’s SBLGA section hosts FREE webinars for the regulated community on new rules, compliance tools, and best practices. Some examples of upcoming webinars include:

Petroleum Storage Tank Webinars: How to Prepare for a UST Investigation

Webinars for underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators to explain UST reporting and recordkeeping requirements. During these webinars, SBLGA staff will: 

• Discuss the contents of the UST Compliance Notebook. 
• Provide examples of the compliance records you will need to show during an investigation.
• Answer your questions about UST requirements. 

Webinar dates and times: 

• Aug. 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT 
• Aug. 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT 

Register online or call the SBLGA hotline at 800-447-2827. For more information, email us at PSTHelp@tceq.texas.gov. 

MS4 Webinar

Webinars for owners and operators under the Small (Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (TXR040000). During this webinar, SBLGA staff will:

• Explain the requirements in the renewal MS4 general permit.
• Demonstrate how to renew your MS4 coverage.   
• Answer your questions about MS4 requirements.  

Expect TCEQ’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit Renewal Process webinar sometime in late October to early November of 2024.

While waiting for news about the upcoming webinar, please check out TCEQ’s MS4 Assistance Tools webpage. Another Advocate article will be sent out to announce the webinar dates and registration webpage. 

Additional Resources

Advocate and GovDelivery 

SBLGA periodically sends out articles via The Advocate electronic newsletter and alerts through GovDelivery groups. Sign up to receive an email or text alert when TCEQ posts information regarding:

• Municipal solid waste rules
• Petroleum storage tank rules
• Public water system rules
• Landscape irrigation rules
• Wastewater rules
• Septic system (OSSF) rules
• Stormwater permits and rules

EnviroMentor Program

The EnviroMentor program assists small businesses, local governments, and independent school districts (ISDs) with environmental regulations such as completing paperwork and answering technical questions. EnviroMentors are qualified professionals with technical or legal expertise on environmental issues who volunteer to help small businesses, local governments, and ISDs with state environmental rules.

Compliance Assistance Videos

This collection of videos is available to help customers comply with TCEQ rules and regulations. Topics include general compliance assistance as well as compliance for oil and gas, petroleum storage tanks, and public water systems.