The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved on April 1 penalties totaling $1,423,469 against regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
The commission issued agreed orders for violations in several categories, including air quality, industrial wastewater discharges, multi-media issues, municipal wastewater discharges, petroleum storage tanks, and public water systems. Default orders were also issued covering industrial hazardous waste, multi-media concerns, and water quality. In addition to these actions taken at the meeting, the executive director approved penalties amounting to $157,879 against 48 entities on March 24.
These enforcement measures reflect the agency’s ongoing oversight responsibilities. The Texas Department of Environmental Quality conducts its main administrative operations at its Austin headquarters on Park 35 Circle and operates regional offices throughout Texas for environmental oversight according to the official website. About 2,800 staff work from both the central office in Austin and across its 16 regional offices statewide according to the official website.
The department aims to protect Texas by reducing and preventing pollution while promoting clean air and water as well as safe waste management aligned with sustainable economic development according to the official website. Its regulatory reach extends statewide through its network of regional offices influencing environmental regulation across Texas according to the official website.
TCEQ enforces regulations covering air emissions, water pollution control measures, waste disposal practices and petroleum storage oversight according to the official website. Collaboration among compliance and enforcement divisions helps regulate emissions standards as well as public health requirements throughout Texas according to the official website.
Agenda items from this meeting are available on TCEQ’s website. The next agenda meeting is scheduled for April 15. Meetings can be viewed live online or later via archived webcasts.
