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TCEQ Regulatory Guidance: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

TCEQ has prepared regulatory guidance and is taking steps to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on both our staff and our customers.

Important information Our work has not stopped. Watch us at work during the pandemic. Also view this EPA/TCEQ panel discussion about the agencies’ COVID-19 response.

Important information An open letter from Chairman Jon Niermann to concerned citizens, public advocates, and members of the regulated community regarding COVID-19 response.

Also see Governor Abbott's response to the COVID-19 threat Adobe Acrobat PDF Document .

Potential Impacts to TCEQ Customer Service

While TCEQ is taking steps to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on both our staff and our customers, there could be impacts to customer service or normal communication to parties outside of the agency. View impacts you may encounter; we will update as they are known.

Delinquent Fees During COVID-19

July 31 is the deadline for entities experiencing hardship to get on a payment plan. See important information on how TCEQ is handling late fee payments during the pandemic Adobe Acrobat PDF Document .

Guidance on Petroleum Storage Tank Bulk Storage

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, TCEQ has received numerous inquiries related to the regulatory requirements of temporary storage of excess crude oil in aboveground storage tanks at locations not regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas. See our guidance on PST bulk storage Adobe Acrobat PDF Document .

Guidance for TCEQ Contractors

Work performed under TCEQ contracts is not subject to local COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. See TCEQ guidance for contractors updated April 2 Adobe Acrobat PDF Document .

Disposal Guidance for COVID-19 Waste

TCEQ has prepared regulatory guidance regarding the transportation, treatment and disposal of COVID-19 medical waste. TCEQ also stands ready to provide technical assistance to these facilities and local jurisdictions to help them handle any associated issues that may arise. View our guidance on COVID-19 waste disposal.

Guidance for Public Water Systems

COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection and standard treatment and disinfection processes are expected to be effective. See information to assist public water systems to minimize impacts due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Occupational Licensing Response to COVID-19

TCEQ will offer flexibility to licensees and applicants who were in the process of renewing or receiving an occupational license and were impacted by this outbreak. See our webpage on occupational licensing and COVID-19.

TCEQ Reporting Requirements for Regulated Entities

Due to COVID-19 and reduced staff in the TCEQ workplace, TCEQ may exercise administrative relief and enforcement discretion for various reporting requirements by regulated entities. See information on reporting requirements under current circumstances.

COVID-19 Enforcement Discretion Requests

TCEQ discontinued the COVID-19 enforcement discretion process effective at 5 p.m. on April 9, 2021. Read our statement on this decision Adobe Acrobat PDF Document .

Download the latest file showing the status of requests received by TCEQ for enforcement discretion Microsoft Excel Document . Note: certain information is withheld pending the regulated entity’s opportunity to assert exceptions to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. Also, links in this Excel file may not work in Internet Explorer.

Legislative Letter on Enforcement Discretion Adobe Acrobat PDF Document
TCEQ’s Response on Enforcement Discretion

Monitored Chemical Air Concentrations During Enforcement Discretionary Period Microsoft PowerPoint Document (April 2019 thru April 9, 2021)

Pending Permit Applications During COVID-19 Disaster

Entities or individuals have applied to TCEQ for a permit that requires notice and making certain application documents available at a public place for viewing and copying. View or download a list of these entities plus links to the required documents.

Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

See the memorandum and guidance on identification of essential critical infrastructure during COVID-19 response Exit the TCEQ Adobe Acrobat PDF Document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This letter from EPA authorizes public water systems, their staff, and their suppliers as essential businesses and workers Exit the TCEQ Adobe Acrobat PDF Document in responding to COVID-19.

Use this EPA letter template Exit the TCEQ Microsoft Word Document to provide documentation for water and wastewater workers who are considered essential. For detailed information see EPA’s webpage Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater.

General COVID-19 Guidance

See the most up-to-date information for citizens, businesses, and community organizations on the Texas Department of State Health Services website Exit the TCEQ .

DSHS also encourages all Texans in need of COVID-19 information, and referrals to community resources, to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.