Spills: Reportable Quantities
The RQ depends on the substance released and where released. Use this table to determine whether you must report and under what rule.
In Texas, upon determining that a reportable discharge or spill has occurred, the responsible person must notify the state. The threshold quantity that triggers the requirement to report a spill is called the reportable quantity (RQ). The reportable quantity depends on the type of substance released and where released (e.g. into water vs. on land); different kinds of spills are subject to different provisions of state and federal rules.
Kind of spill |
Where discharged |
Reportable quantity |
Rule, statute, or responsible agency |
Hazardous substance |
onto land |
“Final RQ” in Table 302.4 in 40 CFR 302.4 |
|
into water |
“Final RQ” or 100 lbs, whichever is less |
||
Any oil |
coastal waters |
as required by the Texas General Land Office |
|
Crude oil, oil that is neither a petroleum product nor used oil |
onto land |
210 gallons (five barrels) |
|
directly into water |
enough to create a sheen |
||
Petroleum product, used oil |
onto land, from an exempt PST facility |
210 gallons (five barrels) |
|
onto land, or onto land from a non-exempt PST facility |
25 gallons |
||
directly into water |
enough to create a sheen |
||
Associated with the exploration, development and production of oil, gas, or geothermal resources |
under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas |
as required by the Railroad Commission of Texas |
|
Industrial solid waste or other substances |
into water |
100 lbs |
|
From petroleum storage tanks, underground or aboveground |
into water |
enough to create a sheen on water |
30 TAC 334 .75-81 |
From petroleum storage tanks, underground or aboveground |
onto land |
25 gallons or equal to the RQ under 40 CFR 302 |
|
Other substances that may be useful or valuable and are not ordinarily considered to be waste, but will cause pollution if discharged into water in the state |
into water |
100 lbs |