The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
February 22, 2014
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has released a revised draft of the guidance document titled “Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments at Remediation Sites in Texas” (RG-263) which is available at: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/remediation/trrp/guidance.html.
This is the TCEQ’s main ecological risk assessment (ERA) guidance document and replaces the 2001 and 2006 versions, which are no longer available. Although a draft, it is usable in its current form while it continues to undergo revisions. The primary differences between this draft and earlier versions are:
- the most recent surface water screening benchmarks are included
- the 2007 revisions to the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP) rule are incorporated
- the text has been edited for conciseness
- the TCEQ’s commitment to accessibility is reflected
The main purpose of this document is to promote the development of consistent and technically defensible ERAs to be submitted through TCEQ remediation programs operating under the TRRP Rule (30 TAC 350) and Risk Reduction Rule (30 TAC 335). This document provides a detailed description of how to conduct ERAs using TCEQ's three-tiered approach and includes technical advice and insight as to how the agency may evaluate ERAs. It also discusses the interactions of the ERA process with the role of the Natural Resource Trustees.
Questions about this document may be directed to the following TCEQ ERA program staff:
Larry Champagne (512-239-2158)
Vickie Reat (512-239-6873)
Jessica Mauricio (512-239-1765)
Or via e-mail at techsup@tceq.texas.gov.
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
2/22/2014