2010 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
This page provides information about the 2010 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards and information on effective dates and provisions.
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TCEQ Adopted 2010 Revisions to the Standards
On June 30, 2010, the Commissioners adopted revisions to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, as codified by rule in Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307. The 2010 Standards became effective as a state rule on July 22, 2010.
TCEQ submitted the 2010 Standards revisions and supporting documentation to EPA for review and approval on August 4, 2010. EPA provides notice to TCEQ whenever it approves or takes other actions on portions of the revised standards. EPA must approve the 2010 Standards before TCEQ may use them for federal permitting programs and other Clean Water Act (CWA) purposes.
TCEQ uses provisions from the 1997 and subsequent revisions of the Standards in administering its federal permitting programs, depending on which provisions from each revision year EPA has approved. A webpage for each Standards revision year describes what actions EPA has taken for that revision and what items are still pending. If EPA either disapproves or is still reviewing a portion of the Standards, the language of the prior revision year remains in effect for CWA purposes.
Back to top2010 Standards Background Information
EPA Review of the 2010 Standards
EPA finalized its fourth round of approvals and disapprovals of the 2010 Standards in an action letter dated November 2, 2018. This letter primarily covers EPA approvals of the 2018 revision to the Standards, but it also includes approval of the temperature criteria for Segment 0410, Black Cypress Bayou, which was added during the 2010 revision of the Standards.
EPA is still reviewing the following revisions to Appendix A regarding site-specific criteria for classified segments: revised temperature criteria for two segments (1811 and 1814) and revised dissolved minerals criteria for 19 segments (0307, 0410, 0507, 0803, 0812, 0821, 1206, 1227, 1238, 1240, 1241, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1421, 1426, 1433, 2106, and 2116).
A highlighted version of the 2010 Standards rule language provided below clarifies on which sections of the standards EPA has taken actions described in its the four action letters. A key at the beginning of the highlighted rule specifies those provisions of the 2010 Standards that EPA has approved and disapproved, and on which it has taken no action or is still reviewing. The highlighted rule will be updated after each EPA action letter is received.
EPA's November 2, 2018 letter-
EPA’s July 2, 2013 letter
- EPA's August 24, 2012 letter
- EPA's June 29, 2011 letter
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Highlighted version of rule language
The 2010 Standards and Associated Documents
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Final Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Chapter 307 Rule Amendment
(adopted June 30, 2010)
EPA is reviewing the final rule in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. - Executive Summary of Rule Amendment to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
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Final Preamble to Chapter 307 Rule Amendment
The preamble describes the Water Quality Standards rule amendment the commission adopted, provides other information required under state law, and includes a detailed response to all public comments. - TCEQ held a public hearing on March 11th to receive comments on the 2010 Standards rule amendment.
Staff Contacts
For more information or to suggest topics for meetings, please email standards@tceq.texas.gov, call the Water Quality Planning Division at 512-239-6682, or mail to TCEQ, Water Quality Planning Division, MC-234, PO Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.