TCEQ Regulatory Guidance: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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.
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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.
Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Systems
Find information for wastewater operators related to the onset of COVID-19.
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 is discontinuing the COVID-19 enforcement discretion process effective at 5 p.m. on April 9, 2021. Read our statement on this decision .
Download the latest file showing the status of requests received by TCEQ for enforcement discretion . 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
TCEQ’s Response on Enforcement Discretion
Monitored Chemical Air Concentrations During Enforcement Discretionary Period (April 2019 thru April 5, 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
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
in responding to COVID-19.
Use this EPA letter template
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.
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.