[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6549726,"mediaKeyId","5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e","parentId",5429927,"title","TCEQ reports staffing increases but ongoing permit‑processing backlogs for DO modeling and small MS4 NOIs","audioSeconds",237,"startMs",2037000,"endMs",2274000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e&start=2037&end=2274","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e/thumbnail_2037000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6549726/Texas/TCEQ-reports-staffing-increases-but-ongoing-permitprocessing-backlogs-for-DO-modeling-and-small-MS4-NOIs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549726-b75adabb4845e659e564b7b4805b8e0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519654&Signature=JyyaszCh-WgNF-YL3kszg7C3-4silbos~HAV~URlDGvfBt8l-DPWdYARWDQmUjMVWWcXdfy~q6bWg~wj44VaaYmGkRB9e~Ag9in-h~eGSfkkeku5deFpFAYpTZYKt0Kkcj1SKQKUGMYmm5ii2gjqFs7216yYdSsjQqWEbX7IkdpPZbfLBaWzT8y~n-9JWUzJuFj2-vm1qODAtY4GwN~iVUtsFNeCTu5i2HPGl20Bi9C6bKqjcEL2SUK36WzEznrM8JGZLUxbFGapB8dFb2DhFKTgLo-6FJUJ-LKMCvtTgZ7-Rz9ihcD1mzbzYYnIERb00AaJMStruye~Wu-acYr9GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ)","date","2025-07-18T20:18:00.477Z","article","TCEQ staff answered questions about permit‑processing workload and electronic permit system issues.

On dissolved‑oxygen (DO) modeling and related permit review backlog, staff said there is no concrete revised approach to report yet but the division is adding staff to the team that handles DO modeling and related steps in the permit review process. Staff said they will provide further updates as they implement additional measures to address the backlog.

Regarding small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) NOIs and waivers tied to a recently renewed permit, staff reported they received roughly 650 applications in the system. The division is actively reviewing about 116 applications and has approved and denied several; staff reported sending notices of deficiency (NODs) for some submittals. Staff described system interoperability problems between the e‑permitting system and other agency systems that prevent automatic validation and require manual review. Common issues include missing or unsigned core data forms and applicants selecting incorrect e‑pay options (some applicants paid an incorrect fee amount). Staff said coverage has lapsed for some applicants who missed the 90‑day submission period for reissued permits and urged those applicants to resubmit NOIs under the reissued permit.

Staff encouraged stakeholders to follow the division’s outreach and to contact staff with specific questions; they also said work continues to improve system integration and processing throughput.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TCEQ Water Quality Advisory Work Group (WQAWG) Meeting - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","TCEQ staff said they are adding staff to address permit backlogs, but reported pending workload in dissolved‑oxygen modeling and active reviews of small MS4 Notices of Intent, noting system interoperability and data issues are slowing processing.","taxTitle","Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ), Departments and Agencies, Executive, Texas","taxId",36470,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6549732,"TCEQ adopts dairy‑waste emergency land‑application rules; revises wastewater treatment design criteria rulemaking underway",255,1685000,1940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e&start=1685&end=1940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e/thumbnail_1685000.jpg","/articles/6549732/Texas/TCEQ-adopts-dairywaste-emergency-landapplication-rules-revises-wastewater-treatment-design-criteria-rulemaking-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549732-cbb879321ce4f82118ce080a96942ca2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519654&Signature=c4jRCdVxFGPlFhgu35Ipar6DE3V4AIC2aQ8T-Tgz5TjvQ-2GvsbcIPes1AAUNcCBn5huLc4EhOgX5CuFkddEpLupN5ebsjxhYkoJARwwwumn-IUPMKc78cs8GVwUVwZAdKHNDnysQDnuI7zxYod5DHYaP~-g3P-saAjAihpjkJWyBFurY-shwCtDbouHSH4SB1aMGCBsdTzz8qWzpzolsKiHzJPOmvFomFATMKEZWm5StNA4D3MpTnKLYeBVlU4b73-00MTZe6A~qGpjj-thyji4UVfRcdB-oGk~M1D5RpAQQ~zoX1M3XH73yPs~8N-SzoDmsFa-pse3QQtscBgDwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","TCEQ staff reported on two rulemaking efforts affecting on‑farm waste management and wastewater treatment design criteria.

Dairy waste rulemaking: Staff said rulemaking implements House Bill 692 (88th regular session), adding new sections to 30 TAC chapter 321 (subchapter B) to allow concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and unpermitted animal feeding operations to directly land‑apply dairy waste under emergency conditions. A new subchapter Q will allow land application of dairy waste under emergency conditions on agricultural land not associated with an animal feeding operation. Staff also said they amended solid‑waste rules (30 TAC chapter 335.2 and 335.6) to exempt these activities from permitting and notification requirements in chapter 335. The rulemaking was adopted at the commissioners’ July 9 agenda and becomes effective July 31 (year not specified in transcript); staff said they will provide a final update after a short implementation period.

When asked whether “emergency conditions” are defined, staff said there is a definition in the new subchapters and that language will be available in posted rule text; they offered to include a link to the adopted language in the meeting summary notes.

Wastewater treatment systems design criteria (30 TAC Chapter 217): Staff are revising Chapter 217 design criteria for wastewater treatment systems. The division held a series of stakeholder meetings beginning with a kickoff in November (year not specified), followed by meetings in 2023 that covered collection systems, activated sludge, disinfection, safety, preliminary treatment, natural treatment units, sludge processing and subsurface drip irrigation. In April 2024 the division held a Spanish‑language stakeholder meeting on the completed draft revisions. Proposed revisions being worked on by division engineers include changes to collection system requirements (subchapter C), expanded reclaimed‑water distribution system requirements, updated emergency‑power requirements for critical components, new nutrient removal requirements, and moving subsurface drip dispersal system requirements from 30 TAC chapter 222 to chapter 217 as a new subchapter I with a concurrent repeal of the moved provisions from chapter 222.

Staff asked stakeholders to review the proposed language when posted and noted additional outreach will continue as the rulemaking progresses.","Commissioners adopted rules allowing emergency land application of dairy waste and exempting certain activities from solid‑waste permitting; concurrent rulemaking will update wastewater treatment systems design criteria (30 TAC Chapter 217) after stakeholder meetings.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6549737,"TCEQ outlines renewals and reissuances for several general permits including aquaculture and conventional water treatment",154,1380000,1534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e&start=1380&end=1534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e/thumbnail_1380000.jpg","/articles/6549737/Texas/TCEQ-outlines-renewals-and-reissuances-for-several-general-permits-including-aquaculture-and-conventional-water-treatment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549737-27d69ccc0eabaff6311a1fd1ed73423f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519654&Signature=B0tJGCNLIitQZ-4mV5GN3fWfdxK4aiUoIhyL7LZobAsXpjOxqNrvzgMdLa1W9DNXciP8ZcIXCoJrO~Dyejdwru8WuPW4eqAAJTp4NPPr8UyD4ToDzrnSz8jE28f46s5FZUW9G1puiwokKXIstKWlrmP4oDFGo6JyqSo18Y8-SOuYNmPQYA9x2ZCr9wbFGMl9UH8stt9KRwucEvYsUZsP7qZrjRGIVVsRw~84xYaDFPt7irdTqlUoEx3tfMuP4V~0PaNP5wmYzosk-sGDZWvA3pUX8sQRnPf6skgOlpl7dNSx~Ie0yRp9tA3h8m-MTfipm3VXPhE59n0B~ixOT49XNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","TCEQ staff provided updates on several general permits administered by the Water Quality Division and outlined timelines and substantive changes under consideration.

Aquaculture general permit (TXG130000): TCEQ proposes to renew and amend the permit that authorizes discharges from aquaculture activities. EPA provided an approval letter for the draft permit package dated May 27, 2025. Significant changes include defining “wastewater” to cover wash‑down water from processing equipment and allowing Level‑5 oyster mariculture facilities to clean system components in or over state waters consistent with House Bill 609. Staff anticipate publishing the notice of proposed permit in the Texas Register and the Houston Chronicle in August.

Hydrostatic test general permit (TXG064464): TCEQ reissued this permit with an effective date of April 5, 2025. Existing permitees were required to submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI) within 90 days of reissuance to maintain coverage; staff warned coverage has lapsed for entities that missed the deadline.

Evaporation pond general permit (WQG1000000): Staff proposed to renew and amend this state‑only permit authorizing wastewater disposal by evaporation adjacent to state water. The draft was published in the Texas Register and the Houston Chronicle; the comment period closed March 10, 2025. Adoption is proposed for the commissioners’ agenda on Aug. 6, 2025.

Conventional water treatment plant general permit (TXG640000): TCEQ proposes renewal and updates. EPA provided approval of the draft package on Dec. 19, 2024. Changes include adding a daily maximum ethanol limitation for discharges and requiring defluorination to less than 0.1 mg/L of residual chlorine prior to discharge when chlorination is used. Adoption is proposed for the commissioners’ agenda on Sept. 10, 2025.

Concrete batch general permit (TXG110000): TCEQ is developing the draft for renewal and amendment of this permit (authorizes ready‑mixed concrete plants and related facilities). The draft is under development; staff are accepting informal comments via the outreach inbox.

Staff urged permittees to monitor the Texas Register notices and agency outreach emails for filing deadlines and public‑notice periods, and to submit NOIs where reissuances require them.","TCEQ staff reported on planned renewals, amendments and reissuances for aquaculture, hydrostatic test, evaporation pond, conventional water treatment, and concrete batch general permits and provided adoption/notice timelines where specified.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6549742,"TCEQ adopts MSGP amendment; renewal process underway with proposed benchmark changes",268,820000,1088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e&start=820&end=1088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e/thumbnail_820000.jpg","/articles/6549742/Texas/TCEQ-adopts-MSGP-amendment-renewal-process-underway-with-proposed-benchmark-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549742-2a6bdbc74829a7e2b73fb558fe2c055d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519654&Signature=edWRxlSTp8uyPMD3nSsUzrF7wyemPrc1aTGIc70~9Crk7agg2hz5~xalwHuOdIhVP8dMbQuca2qHoiR9TFtMYYQYa1ZaOoPGMuMI95ZR6VhUibEE-47BIUHWcjV1rbfH60MRuPDDirsyG3Mk86mohZvVexO0YQAvQ3-0e1v9A3vLZ8VsmGc3HFw~srgz1Q-nNkwvVVchnHJYPsknyWaIt6SJom~yTDyHu2ATZ~fyJx1~U1KI5pbwo2F3Z5NySlLzuU9nz4SK5~FwW3bXM-~0nidkZ7Y-eH824dHzAyItvVNsMJ9MSazNVDRKj~IxxwxxUA7umtMO5DnJNY602AbbRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","TCEQ staff reported an amendment without renewal to the Multi‑Sector General Permit (MSGP, TXR00#####) was presented to the commissioners’ agenda and approved May 1 and made effective May 7. The amendment implements prior legislative changes that exclude certain facilities—such as quarries in the Nueces‑Stevenson Scenic Riverway—from obtaining MSGP coverage and expands applicability to include nonexempt stormwater discharges associated with crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production.

Staff emphasized this amendment does not change the MSGP’s expiration date (Aug. 14) or existing remedies under the 2021 MSGP. Because of formatting issues with the table of contents, the division completed a technical endorsement to correct the amendment and anticipates providing an updated signed permit to stakeholders within the month.

Separately, staff said TCEQ has initiated the 2026 MSGP renewal (to address permit expiration) and is in the concept/development phase. TCEQ held a stakeholder meeting Nov. 6, 2024, and solicited comments through Nov. 28. On May 2025, the draft renewal was sent to EPA for a 90‑day review and is expected back by Aug. 19, 2025. Major proposed changes include moving large SIC/NAICS code tables from Part 2 to Appendix A for readability; updating to 2017 NAICS codes; adding a definition of high‑level radioactive waste and a prohibition on authorization for facilities licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for storage of such waste (to implement HB 4112); and six proposed changes to benchmark numeric levels based on data collected during the current permit term:

- Phosphorus (section C): 1.25 mg/L → 0.78 mg/L
- Ammonia nitrogen (sectors K and S): 1.7 mg/L → 1.0 mg/L
- Iron (sectors C, E–H, L, M–O, Q, AA): 1.3 mg/L → 1.0 mg/L
- Cyanide (sector K): 0.02 mg/L → 0.01 mg/L
- Nitrate/nitrite nitrogen (sectors C, G, J, U, AA): 0.68 mg/L → 0.6 mg/L
- Zinc (sectors A, C, F, H, N, Q, Y, AA): 0.16 mg/L → 0.12 mg/L

Staff said the MSGP renewal will also reflect statutory changes from HB 4112 and HB 4112‑related provisions and is tentatively scheduled for public notice with a 30‑day comment period in January (tentative). Staff noted they will send a revised draft to EPA to include the changes tied to state legislation.","TCEQ adopted an amendment without renewal to the Multi‑Sector General Permit (MSGP) effective May 7 and is pursuing a 2026 renewal that proposes several benchmark changes, NAICS/SIC table moves and new prohibitions tied to recent legislation.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6549746,"TCEQ details implementation plans for six water-quality bills from recent legislative session",420,183000,603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e&start=183&end=603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429927-589000ff3641bc316f2e5e5dcc9f3c8e/thumbnail_183000.jpg","/articles/6549746/Texas/TCEQ-details-implementation-plans-for-six-water-quality-bills-from-recent-legislative-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549746-a69b4ef71490bfaaa80de0e897ce46eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519654&Signature=JP0EXzgmREvA1Ar~jctUmba9hp3J67nq052Z4c3WnUPZ2qYCdVOwve~kgeoEi~PurYx2HP~ho9smTSBNuCMMk7aczb3gAmCVeh-BEPzvRegrvx23O0TJ~rN7SmS4pvTZtpzkrvxGLGk~D4qWTDEtSlFRCoHW67al0SGO6F4IRPv0kDYJP3yG951IEIPDHoEB5cP2SV5KvDSCVnFhZN0mzH6QJikHSWS3F29htAxzlPWXA6yDSsM3dUtueb1c37-pn~g2e4TMIepZAHwfYFuIWK7IK~Z4Mf610Agj~GcrHo7zBYZInRkQhFLJfJxZczjVBcYRUptePNm-IRruP8oiVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Water Quality Division on the meeting summarized six bills from the recently concluded 89th legislative session and outlined steps the agency will take to implement them.

The division said the 89th session required substantially more analysis than previous sessions: staff reviewed about 120 bills and took the lead on 26; six of those led bills passed. Division staff identified which rulemakings, permit revisions, application forms and information‑system changes will be needed to carry out the new laws.

Among the bills discussed was House Bill 3333, introduced by Rep. Eddie Morales, which creates Texas Water Code Section 26.0275 and prohibits TCEQ from issuing new permits for domestic or industrial wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into the Devils River or its tributaries in Val Verde County for applications submitted on or after Sept. 1. Division staff said HB 3333 does not affect issuance of stormwater general or individual permits and does not require TCEQ-initiated rulemaking, though the division may add the prohibition to watershed protection rules in 30 TAC chapter 311 and update permitting guidance to increase awareness of the statute.

Staff summarized House Bill 609, effective Sept. 1, 2025, which relates to cleaning structures used in cultivated oyster mariculture. TCEQ staff said the agency’s aquaculture general permit will be revised to allow cleaning over water consistent with the bill; staff do not expect rulemaking to be required to implement that change.

Senate Bill 1145 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) requires TCEQ to establish a new permitting program and application review process for land application of water produced from certain mining and oil extraction operations. Staff said TCEQ will develop application forms, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidance and will initiate rulemaking to implement the program.

Senate Bill 2037 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) requires TCEQ to establish an expedited permitting and application review process for permits involving construction or modification of liquefied natural gas export terminals. Staff said implementing the program will include developing application forms, SOPs, regulatory guidance and an expedited application fee; rulemaking will be necessary.

House Bill 4112 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) addresses facilities licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for storage or disposal of high‑level radioactive waste. Staff reported they will revise the 2023 construction general permit for stormwater and the multi‑sector general permit (MSGP) to include a prohibition on authorization for discharges associated with operation of such licensed facilities and will modify the permitting system so affected applicants may be prohibited from applying electronically.

Senate Bill 1372 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) prohibits TCEQ from using an automated authorization process for a general permit when an applicant has ever been denied or suspended based on an unsatisfactory compliance history rating. Staff said TCEQ will need to amend 30 TAC chapter 205 and most of the division’s 17 general permits to implement this requirement and will modify the agency’s information system to require manual review in those cases.

Division staff emphasized most of these items will require agency rulemaking, revised permit language, updates to electronic permitting systems and new guidance documents. They said work is underway to develop implementation plans and that staff will provide further detail in subsequent work group meetings.

The meeting opened with a brief staffing update: Dania Grundman was introduced as the division’s new assistant deputy director and Jessica Alcoser as the new pretreatment team leader; both were identified as recent internal promotions.

No formal votes were taken during the discussion; staff presented these items as implementation planning and invited stakeholders to follow subsequent work group meetings for details.","TCEQ Water Quality Division staff summarized six bills from the 89th Texas Legislature and outlined rulemaking, permitting, and information‑system changes required to implement them, with effective dates generally Sept. 1, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TCEQ reports staffing increases but ongoing permit‑processing backlogs for DO modeling and small MS4 NOIs

TCEQ adopts dairy‑waste emergency land‑application rules; revises wastewater treatment design criteria rulemaking underway

TCEQ outlines renewals and reissuances for several general permits including aquaculture and conventional water treatment

TCEQ adopts MSGP amendment; renewal process underway with proposed benchmark changes

TCEQ details implementation plans for six water-quality bills from recent legislative session