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TCEQ previews multiple general-permit renewals and two rural rule projects headed to the commissioner's agenda
Summary
TCEQ staff summarized upcoming renewals/amendments for several general permits (aquaculture, hydrostatic test, evaporation pond, water treatment plant) and briefed on dairy-waste rulemaking (HB692) and excess reclaimed-water disposal rules implementing SB1289.
TCEQ staff provided brief updates on several general-permit renewals and two rule projects affecting rural wastewater and reuse.
Shannon Gibson, a water quality division technical specialist, summarized major proposed changes for four general permits:
- Aquaculture (TXG-13130000): proposed renewal and amendment to authorize aquaculture discharges; draft sent to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 45-day review Jan. 6; anticipated EPA review in March and public notice in September. Significant edits include clarifying that certain processing wash waters are wastewater and updating allowable systems for oyster mariculture.
- Hydrostatic test (TXG-670000): renewal will replace the current permit when it expires April 5, 2025. EPA reviewed and approved the draft Sept. 19, 2024; public notice comment period closed Dec. 9, 2024. The draft is scheduled for adoption at the March 13, 2025 commissioner's agenda.
- Evaporation pond (WQG-100000): state-only permit for disposal by evaporation; TCEQ planned Texas Register notice on Feb. 7, 2025 and a public meeting March 10; major changes include updated liner requirements for ponds constructed on or after reissuance; amendments will not impact existing permittees.
- Water treatment plant (TXG-640000): renewal replaces the current permit when it expires Oct. 12, 2025; EPA approved draft Dec. 19, 2024. A planned public notice in March and public meeting in April. A significant change would require dechlorination to under 0.1 mg/L total residual chlorine prior to discharge when chlorination is used.
Rural rule projects: Greg summarized two items expected on the Feb. 13 commissioner's agenda.
- Dairy waste rules (implementation of House Bill 692): TCEQ planned to present a proposal for public comment; anticipated public comment period Feb. 28through March 31 with a public hearing on March 31.
- Excess reclaimed water disposal (implementation of Senate Bill 1289): the rulemaking would add section 26.02715 to Texas Water Code to allow a wastewater treatment facility that treats domestic wastewater for reuse to dispose of reclaimed water into a wastewater collection system without a separate alternative-disposal permit if the owner/operator of the receiving collection system consents and the owner/operator of the treating facility consents. Greg said the rules were going to be considered for adoption with an expected effective date of March 6.
Discussion vs. decision: staff described timelines and planned public meetings; some items were slated for adoption at future commission agendas.
Ending: staff said meeting summaries and recordings will be posted and announced; the advisory work group will meet again April 15.
