TCEQ moves MSGP renewal forward; draft adds prohibition on discharges from facilities licensed for high‑level radioactive waste

Jesse Gressela, permit writer and project manager for the Multi‑Sector General Permit (MSGP) renewal, said TCEQ initiated renewal of the MSGP that regulates industrial stormwater discharges and that the draft was submitted to EPA for a 90‑day review. TCEQ received EPA concurrence on Aug. 18, 2025, to proceed without further revision.

Key changes Gressela described include moving SIC/NAICS tables to an appendix and updating NAICS codes to the 2022 versions; removing SIC code 1231 (anthracite mining) because it is not applicable to Texas; clarifying that applications must be submitted to any receiving MS4 whether or not that MS4 is regulated by TCEQ; permitting an electronic SWIFT record to be maintained; and revising monitoring and benchmark levels based on data collected during the prior permit term.

Gressela said the draft adds a provision prohibiting authorization of discharges associated with facilities licensed for storage of high‑level radioactive waste by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under 10 CFR part 72 and implementing changes required by state legislation referenced in the presentation. The draft was scheduled for public notice with a 30‑day comment period in November–December 2025 and a tentative public meeting on Dec. 15, 2025, in Austin.

"Comments received in writing during the comment period and orally in the public meeting allow the public to ask for further clarification of permit requirements," Gressela said; those comments may lead to revisions in the draft prior to adoption.

Next steps: publish notice and hold the public meeting; respond to comments and, if appropriate, proceed to adoption.