The Wise Report

The Wise Report

Henry M. Wise, P.G.

March 8, 2008

Bud Martin, with Eagle Construction & Environmental Services, L.P. submitted the following on the TPDES General Permit TXG83000.  This is very important if you are running remediation units (especially MDPE units) that discharge to the stormwater sewers:
After talking to Yvonna Pierce (512) 239-4671 at TCEQ, here's what I've found out about the TPDES General Permit TXG830000 for the discharge of petroleum contaminated water.  The previous general permit did expired 10/2/07, five years after the initial issuance.  Although a draft of an amended permit was published and comments solicited last June, the amended permit has not yet been renewed.  It has been re-published 2/8/08 in the Texas Register and a new comment period ends 3/10/08. Yvonna estimates that it will probably be at least mid summer before the amended permit is approved. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR NEW COVERAGE UNDER THAT PERMIT-i.e. new NOI's are being returned to the applicants without approval to discharge.  Existing discharges that were previously covered under the old general permit are still covered on an interim basis, but no new coverage exists. 

The end result of this is that in the case of mobile systems such as MDPE rigs, discharge of the treated water to the storm drainage system is not allowed under the general permit at this time since a new NOI must be filed with each change of location of the equipment.  For fixed remediation systems any change of owner or operator also requires a new NOI is therefore also not covered.  According to Yvonna, among other changes in the amended draft permit, the MTBE effluent limitation is lower and there is a decrease in the frequency of required pH monitoring.  Also, in addition to the application fee, there will now be a $500 fee assessed for each permitee that has not submitted an NOT by September 1st of each year.  Here's a link to a TCEQ web page that contains links to a fact sheet and the draft permit: 

http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/permitting/water_quality/wastewater/general/WQ_general_permits.html

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The TCEQ is holding public meetings on the following proposed rules:

HB 2654: UIC Class I Nonhazardous Rules for Water Treatment Residuals, April 8, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.
SB 662: Groundwater Availability for Platting, March 27, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.
HB 3220: Dry Cleaner Regulation and Remediation, March 11, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the TCEQ Complex located at 12100 Park 35 Circle in Building E, Room 201S.

For more information on these meetings go to:  http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/rules/hearings.html

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Donna Davis submitted the following from the AGU:

The Institute of Creation Research (ICR) recently relocated its graduate school program  from San Diego, California to Dallas, Texas. The school is attempting to obtain  accreditation from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to grant Masters of  Science Education degrees in Texas. The graduate school does not teach modern geology,  biology, astronomy, or the scientific method, yet graduates of the program receive a Masters  of Science Education and would be able to teach science in private or public schools.
A state advisory panel already has recommended that the Board accredit ICR's masters  program; however, the Board will vote on 24 April to make a final decision on ICR's  accreditation. The Board has delayed the proceedings because of a large public outcry from  both proponents and opponents of ICR. If science teachers do not receive an appropriate  scientific education they would not be adequately trained to teach the critical foundations  of science such as modern biology, geology, and astronomy to the next generation of students.   
    
If you would like to take action on this issue, contact one or all of the following:
* Your Congressional representative in Texas (find their contact information here: