The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is soliciting your input on a rulemaking project concerning requirements for alternative language public notices (Rule Project Number 2020-018-039-LS.) This rulemaking project is in response to a petition received about requirements in 30 Texas Administrative Code, (30 TAC) Section 39.405(h).

Currently, newspaper publication in an alternative language is required for:

• Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Obtain Permit (NORI)
• Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision (NAPD)

The rulemaking would require additional public notices in waste, water, and air permit applications (those that must meet House Bill 801, 76th Texas Legislature, 1999.)

TCEQ is evaluating the necessity and feasibility of the following:

• Extending the requirements for providing notices in an alternative language to include various agency meetings held on permit applications.
• Potentially translating related documents for these applications.
• Requiring additional supplemental information from the applicant during the notice process to explain the application in plain language.
• Requiring professional translation services at meetings that TCEQ conducts during the public notice process.

Because of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, TCEQ will be holding stakeholder meetings virtually on the Go To Webinar platform and will also include a call-in line for those without internet access. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided.

Stakeholder Meeting Details

Learn more on the TCEQ Events Calendar and in the following documents:

• Meeting information in English
• Meeting information in Spanish

Webinar link for all sessions (link removed)

Dates, times, and webinar info for each session:

• Monday, October 19, 2020 @ 2:00 PM Webinar ID 208-620-755
• Tuesday, October 20, 2020 @ 6:00 PM Webinar ID 989-284-419
• Thursday, October 22, 2020 @ 10:00 AM Webinar ID 839-919-251

If you don’t have computer or internet access, to participate in a webinar (in English): call 844-368-7161 and enter code 435007#.

Las personas que deseen escuchar o participar en la reunión en español pueden llamar al 844-368-7161 e ingresar el código de acceso 904535#. Para obtener más información o asistencia, comuníquese con Jaime Fernández al 512-239-2566.

How to Submit Comments

Submit written stakeholder comments to Andreea Vasile, MC 205, Texas Register Rule Development Team, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or fax them to 512-239-4808.

Submit electronic comments (File-size restrictions may apply.)  Reference Stakeholder Comments on 2020-018-039-LS.

The comment period closes November 23, 2020. As TCEQ staff evaluate the issues raised in the petition they will consider all comments, but will not issue formal responses. For more information, contact Amy Browning at 512-239-0891 or amy.browning@tceq.texas.gov.

If you need translation services, please call TCEQ at 800-687-4040.

Si desea información general en español, puede llamar al 800-687-4040.