Sewage Sludge and Biosolids: Am I Regulated?

Use the links on this page to help you determine if your activity is regulated by TCEQ and to get more complete information about requirements.

Before applying for a permit or registration, please examine any county or local ordinances on these activities.

Permits, Registrations, and Notifications You Might Need

If you land apply, process, or dispose of Class B biosolids see the webpage Sewage Sludge and Biosolids: Permits for Land Application, Processing, or Disposal. Domestic wastewater treatment plants must dispose of the sewage sludge generated by the treatment process. During that process, the solids—separated from the liquids—are then treated to produce a nutrient-rich, primarily organic product known as biosolids.

If you land apply domestic septage see the webpage Registrations to Land Apply Domestic Septage. Domestic septage is the material pumped from septic tanks and similar wastes—but not chemical toilet waste or grit and grease trap waste.

If you land apply water treatment residuals see the webpage Registrations to Land Apply Water Treatment Residuals. Water treatment residuals are generated during the treatment of surface water or groundwater for potable use.

If you produce Class A or Class AB biosolids see Notifications for Class A or AB Biosolids. This classification of waste has been treated to reduce pathogens and attractiveness to vectors to a greater extent than is achieved in Class B biosolids.

Legal Definitions for Types of Biosolids and Sludge

For the complete legal definitions of Class A, B, or AB biosolids, domestic septage, water treatment residuals, and other activities and terms on this page, see Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Section 312.8

Contact Information

For questions or additional information, contact the Land Application Team of the TCEQ Water Quality Division at P.O. Box 13087, MC-150, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Call (ask for Biosolids program) 512-239-4671 or email biosolids@tceq.texas.gov