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Questions or Comments: airperm@tceq.texas.gov

What are the Requirements for New Oil and Gas Projects Located in Barnett Shale Counties?

Links to rules, guidance, and detailed information for claiming permits by rule or standard permits for oil and gas projects in the Barnett Shale.

Counties included in the Barnett Shale area Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hill, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise Counties.

Projects constructed or facilities modified after 2/27/2011 but before 4/1/2011:

Small Operations:

Groups of facilities that meet 106.352 (c)(4) for all new projects and dependent facilities, paragraph (c)(4) of the new 106.352 may apply. These facilities must comply with only the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for maintaining good working order and proper operation in paragraph (e)(1), the minimum distance requirements in paragraph (e)(2), and the applicable portions of records, sampling, and monitoring requirements in subsection (j).

Oil and Gas Handling and Production Facilities Not Required to Notify or Register

All other projects constructed or facilities modified on or after 4/1/2011, 106.352 (a)-(k) apply:

    • OGS New Project Notification

For any new projects which start construction after April 1, 2011 in the 15 counties of the Barnett Shale, the Barnett Shale, new State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS) (ePermits) notification and registration requirements apply. Prior to construction, a notification with basic information must be submitted.

    • Level 1 and 2 Registration

Either 90 or 180 days after submitting the OGS New Project Notification, a more detailed registration is required through STEERS (ePermits).

How do I submit a notification or registration electronically through STEERS (ePermits)?

Introduction

Use STEERS to access ePermits. If you already have a STEERS account, simply update it to include the Air New Source Review program area. Further information is at STEERS Help.

Steps to register a site or facility:

  • Determine if the site is located in one of the Barnett Shale counties (or voluntarily registering) and what authorization is applicable:
    • Determining Which Authorization is Most Appropriate for Oil and Gas Operations
    • For help calculating emissions to determine which level of the PBR or Standard Permit the site is applicable to fill out the Oil and Gas Emissions Spreadsheet.
  • Submit the New Project Notification for New or Existing sites in STEERS (ePermits). The notification must be done prior to submitting the registration.
  • Within 90 or 180 days from start of construction or implemented changes submit the PBR or Standard Permit registration:
    • For PBRs submit the registration in STEERS (ePermits) using the Level 1 and 2 Registration for New sites or Level 1 and 2 Registration for Existing sites.
    • Here is an example of what questions are asked in the online application to gather your information before starting the online application:
    • For Standard Permits submit the registration through hard-copy to the TCEQ.
  • Within 45 days from submittal of your registration you will receive an email with a letter of approval or deficiency from the TCEQ.

Things to remember:

  • The New Project Notification must match the Level 1 or Level 2 registration. Example: If you fill out a New Project Notification for New Sites you must fill out the Level 1 and 2 Registration for New sites.
  • The notification and registration must be done in the following order:
    • Fill out application in STEERS (ePermits).
    • Sign application electronically.
    • Pay fee via ePay.
    • Submit notification or registration and you’re done!

Access Rights

What if you need to give access to someone else to view, sign, pay, or submit the online application?

Here are the different ways to give access or have someone give you access:

  • Give access by reference code or password
  • Give access by using their STEERS account ID or password
  • Have them give you access using your STEERS account ID or password

Sites located outside of the Barnett Shale area subject to Subsection (l)

Subsection (l) is not available in STEERS (ePermits) at this time. The TCEQ will continue to process these registrations with a paper application using either a PI-7 or PI-7 CERT and supporting documentation.

OGS Historical Notification

For all existing sites located in the 15 counties of the Barnett Shale that have been operating unregistered, but claimed authorization under the previous oil and gas Permits by Rule or historical Standard Exemptions (SE), STEERS(ePermits) notification requirements apply. Fill out the Historical Notification by January 1, 2015.

Contact information

Questions about STEERS: contact support personnel at 512-239-6925 or email steers@tceq.texas.gov

Questions about ePermits and Oil and Gas: contact us at 512-239-1250 or email airog@tceq.texas.gov