Spills: Rules and Laws
Legislation and regulation covering accidental releases and their prevention.
Reportable Quantities
Other Rules and Laws about Spills
| Requirement | Authority |
|---|---|
| TCEQ is the lead agency in spill response |
Texas Water Code 26
Sections 261–64 |
| A spill must be reported as soon as possible and within 24 hours by phone to TCEQ; reporting requirements to property owners and others affected; spill response; required follow-up report | 30 TAC 327 .1–5 |
| Interim and permitted facilities must report emergency situations to TCEQ | 30 TAC 335.113 335.153 |
| Releases from underground storage tanks must be reported | 30 TAC 334.72 |
| Any major upset condition must be reported | 30 TAC 327 .1–5 |
| Related requirements |
Texas Health and Safety Code 382
30 TAC 101.201 |
| Reports required for maintenance activities | 30 TAC 101.211 |
| Accidental spills and releases must be reported to TCEQ |
Texas Water Code 26
Section 039 |
| Related policy | Sections 261–67 |
| Posting of warning signs | What to Do after a Spill |
| TCEQ is to seek reimbursement of state funds spent on cleanup from responsible persons |
Texas Water Code 26
Sections 266–67 |
| Federal definition of reportable spill | 40 CFR 302.6 |
| TCEQ receives reports on storage of chemicals (Tier Two forms) | 40 CFR 370 |
| Definition of industrial solid waste | 30 TAC 335.1 |
| Related policy (definition of hazardous waste) | 40 CFR 261 |
| Self-assigned eight-digit waste code: when needed, how to assign | 30 TAC 335. 501–15, 521 |
| Regulation of soil-treatment and recycling facilities | 30 TAC 334. 485–508 |
| Health-based cleanup standards; guidance on recording of deeds | 30 TAC 350 |
| Need for contingency planning (only for permitted and interim facilities for storing, treating, and disposing of hazardous waste) | 30 TAC 335.112, 152 |
| Texas Risk Reduction Program rule | 30 TAC 350 |
| Makeup of the State Emergency Response Commission | Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act |