The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
October 7, 2012
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has revised their regulatory guidance document RG-411, "Investigating and Reporting Releases from Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs), Guide to the TCEQ requirement for investigating and reporting releases from underground and aboveground storage tanks. The revised document can be found at: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/rg/rg-411.html
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The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) proposes amendments to enhance the section on Education requirements; to clarify the registration requirements for Geoscience Firms; and to specify and clarify the requirements and application process for Geoscientist-in-Training certificate holders who apply for P.G. licensure. These proposed amendments can be found at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.htm...
The TBPG adopts amendments to §§851.104, 851.152, and 851.156, concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists. They are adopted without changes to the proposed text. The amendments were published in the June 22, 2012, issue of the Texas Register (37 TexReg 4527). Adopted amendment to §851.104 strikes the words "or agency" to provide clarification to the rule. Adopted amendment to §851.152 clarifies application requirements for Geoscience Firms. The amendment adds the words "sole proprietor" to further clarify its inclusion when referring to "business entity"; it adds the words "non-exempt" and "public" when referring to the regulated practice of geoscience in Texas; it replaces the word "supervision" with the words "responsible charge"; it adds the words "Texas Office of the Secretary of State" when referring to the filing of "assumed name certificates"; it clarifies subsection (i) by removing the words "preliminary documents" and adding wording to specify that Geoscience Firms are responsible for ensuring that documents released by their firm are sealed in accordance with TBPG Rule §851.156. Adopted amendment to §851.156 clarifies the requirements regarding usage of a Professional Geoscientist's seal. It replaces the word "original" with the word ''separable"; adds the words "maps, drawings, cross sections or other figures representing geoscientific work"; and removes the words "plans or drawings" and "if the plans or drawings are intended to be or are removed from the report". The public benefit anticipated as a result of these amendments is that Professional Geoscientist Seal usage and other licensing requirements will be clarified. Additionally, the Board will be able to more effectively regulate the public practice of geoscience in Texas, which will protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare. No comments from the public were received regarding these amendments. For more information, go to: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/adopted/22.EXAMINING%20BOARDS.html...
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
10/7/2012