Date post: | 27-Jan-2017 |
Category: |
Environment |
Upload: | twca |
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ASR in TEXAS: OPEN FOR “BIDNESS”
Presented byBrian L. Sledge, SledgeLaw Group PLLC Charles Maguire, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Groundbreaking Legislation in 2015
Expedited TCEQ Rules Adopted in 2016
HB 655 – a TWCA initiative—and TCEQ Rules:
• Eliminated requirement for pilot projects
• Allowed different types of TCEQ authorizations
• Clarified notice requirements
HB 655 – a TWCA initiative—and TCEQ Rules:
• Authorized GCD involvement if ASR pumps more water than is recoverable
• Allow injection of “water”—multiple sources
• Amended Chapter 11 to eliminate need for most surface water amendments
HB 655 and TCEQ Rules:
• Required compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act, but no more strict.
• Established metering, testing, and reporting requirements
• Possible perimeter water quality testing
Examples of What the Final Rules Exclude• References to “pollution” and “pathogens
and other organisms”
• Prohibitions on arsenic release (2013 EPA letter to State of Florida)
• Requirements re: injection of treated wastewater that exceed SWDA standards
What Project Applicants Must Know:
•Much of what is allowed is not expressly in the TCEQ rules or the statute
•No new FTEs for TCEQ, so you have the burden on the science and the law—get competent help
Issues Not Addressed by Statute or Rules
• Liability/Trespass
•How to protect “the bubble”
The Big Picture of ASR Regulation
FAQs• Why is ASR regulation under the
Radioactive Materials Division at TCEQ?
• Is my project really an ASR project?
• Is there a separate application form for ASRs from other Class V wells?
ASR Applicants Must Demonstrate:• Compliance with federal Safe Drinking
Water Act
• Amount of injected water that can be recovered
• Effect of ASR project on existing water wells
• Impacts on native groundwater
Three Types of Authorization for ASRs• General Permit
• Individual Permit
• Authorization by Rule –the most common type, it’s important to understand
My Best Advice?
Talk to TCEQ early in the process! We’re here to help.
Questions?