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.
EPA Clarifies New Testing Requirements for Certain Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Facilities
May 2020 – Testing Requirements for Spill Prevention Equipment and Containment Sumps Used for Interstitial Monitoring of Piping
TCEQ’s New PST rules go into effect January 1, 2021
May 2020 – Certain regulations from the May 2018 TCEQ Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) rules will go into effect starting January 1, 2021.
Free Webinars: Asset Management and Technical Assistance for Wastewater and Public Water Systems
April 2020 – The EPA is conducting free webinars on April 15, May 13, and June 17, 2020, from noon to 2:00 p.m. CST.
Free Compliance Workshops for Transient Noncommunity Public Water Systems
March 2020 - TCEQ is offering a FREE workshop for owners and operators of transient noncommunity (TNC) public water systems (PWS).
TCEQ Approves Publication of Proposed Rule for the Aggregate Production Operation Registration Program
February 2020 – On February 12, 2020, TCEQ commissioners approved publication of the proposed rule for the Aggregate Production Operation (APO) Registration Program.
TCEQ Accepting Nominations for Water Utility Occupational Licensing Advisory Committee Members for Fiscal Year 2021
February 2020 – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is currently accepting applications and nominations for appointment to the TCEQ Water Utility Occupational Licensing Advisory Committee (the Committee). TCEQ is seeking a total of seven new members to serve on the Committee beginning on September 1, 2020, for a four-year term.
Free Webinars: Optimizing Performance of Wastewater Lagoon Systems
February 2020 – The EPA is conducting free webinars on February 19 and March 18, 2020, from noon to 2:00 p.m. CST.
TCEQ Proposes Amendments to Landscape Irrigation Rules
January 2020 – On January 15, 2020, TCEQ commissioners approved the publication of proposed rule revisions to 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 344, Landscape Irrigation.
Tier II Chemical Reporting for 2019 has Begun!
January 2020 - Tier II annual reports for 2019 are now being accepted.
Administrative Updates to the Sludge Rule: Comment Period and Public Meeting
Oct. 2019 - TCEQ seeks public comments on the proposed amended rules for the use, disposal, and transportation of sludge.
TCEQ Oil and Gas Industry Emission Event Workshop
Oct. 2019 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is offering a FREE workshop to the oil and gas industry on how to properly evaluate and report emission events.
Stormwater Small (Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (TXR040000) Renewal Period Ending
July 2019 – TCEQ Commissioners renewed the general permit to authorize stormwater discharges from small MS4s in the state on January 24, 2019. Permittees with current (active) authorizations have until July 23, 2019, to renew their existing authorization. Permittees will need to submit a renewal Notice of Intent (NOI) and an updated Stormwater Management Program or, if applicable, a waiver. The NOI application fee is $400.00.
Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) TXR050000, NetDMR Electronic Reporting Temporary Waiver Issued
March 2019 – If you currently have an active stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) TXR050000 authorization, please be aware that although the MSGP states that effective Dec. 21, 2016, all discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) must be submitted electronically using the online NetDMR reporting system, this option is not available at this time.
Stormwater Small (Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (TXR040000) Renewed
March 2019 – On Jan. 24, 2019, TCEQ Commissioners renewed the general permit to authorize stormwater discharges from small MS4s in the state.
The EPA has Signed the Final Rule for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals
Jan. 2019 - On Dec. 11, 2018, the EPA Acting Administrator signed the final rule for “Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals and Amendment to the P075 Listing for Nicotine.”
UST Operator Training courses now available on TCEQ Website
Oct. 2018 - New Class A and Class B operator training providers are now available
New Municipal Solid Waste Application Checklist
Aug. 2018 - A new electronic checklist is available to assist customers with completing MSW applications.
EPA’s New NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule Now Final
November 2015 - On Sept. 24, 2015, the EPA signed the final rule which requires NPDES regulated entities to electronically submit specific permit and compliance monitoring information instead of filing paper reports.
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