Increased TCEQ fines and historical compliance scrutiny are incoming with the passing of Senate Bill 1397, or the Sunset Bill.
Here is a high-level summary of changes that are coming to TCEQ based on SB 1397:
-TCEQ will post all permit applications on its website.
-TCEQ will be required to publish notice of permit applications on its website and will be required to make accommodations for residents without access to the internet.
-The maximum daily penalty that the TCEQ can enforce for a violation will increase from $25,000 to $40,000 per day. These must be repeated violations with detrimental effect on human health and the environment that TCEQ determines could have been reasonably avoided.
-TCEQ will establish a small business and local government enforcement division to provide compliance and technical resources for these businesses.
-TCEQ will establish a Standard Permit for temporary concrete plants that support public work projects.
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