July 29, 2016, Number 27

Download the full July 29, 2016, Number 27 (PDF).

TCEQ Seeks Graywater Rules Comments

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently approved publication of proposed rules on the use of graywater. The proposed rules implement House Bill 1902, which amended Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) Chapters 341 and 366 and Texas Water Code (TWC) Chapter 26 in relation to the use of graywater and alternative on-site water.

The proposed rules, among other things:

1. allow for a reduction in an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) drainfield size if the OSSF is used in conjunction with a reuse system;
2. authorize the reuse of alternative on-site water;
3. add toilet and urinal flushing as an authorized use of graywater and alternative on-site water;
4. establish uses of and treatment standards for alternative on-site water similar to graywater;
5. incorporate nationally recognized treatment levels for total suspended solids and E coli for graywater and alternative on-site water when used for toilet and urinal flushing; and
6. revise bacteria limits from fecal coliform to E coli throughout the rule.

Comments on the proposed rules are due by August 22, 2016. The TCEQ will also hold a public hearing on August 16, 2016, at 2 p.m. in Austin at the TCEQ headquarters located at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, Room 201S.

TCEQ Releases Accidental Wastewater Discharge Reporting Form

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently approved a volume-based exemption from the 24-hour reporting requirement for certain accidental wastewater discharges. The exemption is for any single, accidental discharge or spill of treated or untreated domestic wastewater that occurs at a wastewater treatment or collection system owned or operated by a city. These discharges or spills can be reported to TCEQ monthly, as a “summary,” if certain conditions are met.

To assist cities with compliance, TCEQ has developed the Accidental Discharge or Spill Monthly Summary Form (DOC)(TCEQ-20756). When reporting an accidental discharge or spill, a city must include all information that is requested on the summary form, such as: (1) the start and end dates; (2) a description of the discharge or spill; (3) the volume and method used to calculate the volume; and (4) the location, cause, and steps taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent a recurrence.

The form must be filled out completely and mailed by the 20th day of the month following the spill to the following address:

TCEQ Compliance Monitoring Team, MC-224
P.O. Box 13087
Austin TX 78711-3087

A copy must also be mailed to the appropriate TCEQ Regional Office.

Disclaimer

TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose. No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any part of this document without the written authorization of the Texas Municipal League.