Applying for Authorization under the Water Treatment Plant General Permit

Before discharging wastewater from a conventional water treatment plant into or adjacent to any water in the state  of Texas, you must:

A. Review your facility's compliance history rating:

• If the compliance history rating is "high," "satisfactory," or "inadequate information," you may qualify for coverage under this general permit.
• If the compliance history rating is "unsatisfactory," then you must obtain an individual permit instead.

B. Read the Water Treatment Plant General Permit TXG640000(WTP GP) to determine if it applies to your facility.

• If the WTP GP does not apply, you must obtain an individual permit, if you don’t already have one.
• If the WTP GP does apply AND you land apply the wastewater, you can be automatically authorized simply by complying with the terms of the general permit. An application is not required.
• If the WTP GP does apply AND you discharge into water in the state, you may submit an application to obtain coverage under the general permit. Provisional coverage to discharge under this general permit begins 48 hours after the notice of intent is postmarked for delivery to TCEQ. The application includes the following components:

• Notice of Intent(TCEQ-20881)
• Core Data Form(TCEQ-10400)
• Application Fee ($350)

After TCEQ reviews the application, you will receive one of the following:

• An acknowledgment letter providing authorization for coverage.
• A notice of deficiency (NOD), requesting additional information with 30 days to respond.
• A denial letter informing you that coverage has been denied (usually the result of information requested in the NOD not being provided).

After obtaining coverage under the WTP GP you must:

• Adhere to the requirements of the WTP GP.
• Submit the Discharge Monitoring Reports online.
• Pay the annual fee within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.
• Submit a Notice of Change(NOC) if you, as the owner or operator, become aware that you failed to submit any relevant facts, submitted incorrect information, or if previously submitted information has changed.
• Submit a Notice of Termination(NOT) when all discharges authorized by the permit are eliminated, completed, or if the operator or owner changes.

The permit coverage continues to be active until a NOT is submitted. Annual water quality fees will accrue on September 1st of each year that the permit is active.

Contact us if you have questions.