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TCEQ adopts renewal and amendment of TPDES general permit TXG500000 to implement HB 1688
Summary
The commission adopted the renewal with amendments of TPDES General Permit TXG500000, which reauthorizes discharges and expands protections to include the Cocke-Stephenson (Coke Stephenson) Scenic Riverway under HB 1688.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality voted Jan. 16 to adopt the renewal with amendments of the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit TXG500000.
Executive Director staff said the renewal reauthorizes discharges covered by the expired general permit and implements House Bill 1688 from the 2023 legislative session by adding the Cocke-Stephenson Scenic Riverway (identified in the transcript as the Cox Stevenson/Coke Stephenson Riverway) to the permit's water-quality protection areas. Staff explained the rulemaking process, publication in the Texas Register, notice in local newspapers, and that no public comments were received during the comment period.
Office of Public Interest Counsel staff told the commissioners OPIC supports adoption; the Environmental Protection Agency reviewed the draft and provided no objection. Commissioners expressed support for implementing the legislative change and for stakeholder inclusion during the rulemaking.
The commission authorized staff to make nonsubstantive revisions to comply with Texas Register requirements and adopted the renewed general permit by voice vote. The renewal extends permit coverage for process wastewater, mine dewatering, construction stormwater, stormwater associated with industrial activity, and certain quarry discharges located outside the 100-year floodplain and more than one mile from protected water bodies within designated riverway protection areas.
