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