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.
Free Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Workshops – Houston & Waco
April 2019 – It’s not too late for owners and operators of Phase II MS4s to register to attend a free workshop! TCEQ has added a workshop in Waco and there are still seats available in Houston.
Last Chance for Early Pricing at 2019 ETFC
April 2019 - Early Registration for the 2019 Environmental Trade Fair & Conference ends Friday, April 5.
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.
Free Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Workshops
March 2019 - The TCEQ is offering FREE workshops for owners and operators of Phase II MS4s. These workshops will provide you with valuable information to prepare a Stormwater Management Plan and provide insight on completing your annual report.
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.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation General Permit TXG920000 Renewal Comment Period and Public Meeting
Feb. 2019 - The Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) General Permit No. TXG920000 is scheduled for renewal in July 2019.
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.”
Regional financial assistance workshop to be held in Edinburg
Nov. 2018 - The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will hold a financial assistance workshop in Edinburg, Texas, on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit Sampling Results to be Submitted Electronically
Nov. 2018 - Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGPs), commonly referred to as Industrial Stormwater Permits, must now submit Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) electronically using the NetDMR system.
UST Operator Training courses now available on TCEQ Website
Oct. 2018 - New Class A and Class B operator training providers are now available
Renewal of the Small (Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, TXR040000
Aug. 2018 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is in the process of renewing the 2013 Texas Pollution Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) general permit for small MS4s, TXR040000, which expires on December 13, 2018.
Stormwater Construction General Permit (TXR150000) Electronic Filing Required
Sept. 2018 - Effective Sept. 1, 2018, applicants seeking authorization or termination under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Construction General Permit (TXR150000) must submit the Notice of Intent (NOI) or Notice of Termination (NOT) electronically using the online e-permitting system (STEERS).
TCEQ to Host First Annual Autumn Environmental Conference & Expo
Aug. 2018 - Wastewater/Stormwater Permitting sessions held October 10 – 11, 2018.
TCEQ to Host First Annual Autumn Environmental Conference & Expo
Aug. 2018 - TCEQ to Host First Annual Autumn Environmental Conference & Expo
New Municipal Solid Waste Application Checklist
Aug. 2018 - A new electronic checklist is available to assist customers with completing MSW applications.
Stage II Vapor Recovery Equipment Decommissioning deadline is Aug 31, 2018
Aug. 2018 – All Stage II vapor recovery equipment must be decommissioned at all gasoline dispensing facilities in ozone non-attainment counties no later than Aug. 31, 2018.
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) for MSGP Stormwater Permittees
June 2018 - Starting Sept. 1, 2018, Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) must be submitted electronically using the NetDMR system, unless the permittee requests and obtains an electronic reporting waiver. Only facilities who obtain a waiver will be allowed to continue submitting paper DMRs after Sept. 1, 2018.
“Our Water, Our Future: Communication, Collaboration, and Adaptive Management for Improved Stormwater Quality”
June 2018 - EPA Region 6 and the Conference Planning Committee would like to invite all water professionals to participate at the 20th Annual EPA Region 6 Stormwater Conference to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 19-23, 2018.
Dry Cleaner Advisory Committee Vacancy
May 2018 - The Dry Cleaner Advisory Committee advises the TCEQ on implementing the Dry Cleaner Environmental Remediation Program.
Texas Water Development Board: Regional financial assistance workshop to be held in Beeville on June 5
May 2018 - The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will hold a financial assistance workshop in Beeville, Texas, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
TCEQ Adopts Revisions to the Petroleum Storage Tank Rules
May 2018 – On May 9, 2018, TCEQ commissioners adopted revisions to 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 334, Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks.
Stage I Vapor Recovery Equipment and Annual Testing
Feb. 2018 - Owners and operators of some gasoline dispensing facilities in Texas must comply with state regulations for their Stage I vapor recovery system.
TCEQ Approves Publication of Proposed Petroleum Storage Tank Rules
Nov. 2017 - On Nov. 15, 2017, TCEQ commissioners approved publication of the proposed rules for petroleum storage tanks.
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.
The Advocate
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