1. MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER PERMITS
TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference 2016
Sarah Johnson
TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference
May 16, 2017
Presentation Summary – Drafting a permit requires different sections of the Water Quality Division. The permit writer is not able to draft the permit until these recommendations are received. The applicant can help the permitting process by promptly (1) publishing notices, (2) returning required information, and (3) reviewing the draft permit and making comments. Comments from the public and/or EPA can add to permit processing time. Bacteria limits are now part of every domestic permit when it is issued or renewed. New minimum analytical levels (MALs) and new application forms are in effect.
Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D.

2. THE PERMITTING PROCESS
Applications Team
Water Quality Assessment
Pretreatment
Permit Coordinator
Chief Clerk’s Office
NOD & NORI
Application
NAPD
Public comments
EPA
Issued Permit
ISSUED PERMIT
This graphic slide shows the generalized flow of an application through the permitting process. The diagram shows the major processes only and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional information or action may be required during any part of the permitting process. Dashed arrows show the major interactions. The applicant and the permit coordinator play central roles in moving an application through the permitting process.
The applicant sends the application to the Applications Review and Processing Team, where the application is reviewed for administrative completeness. The applicant will receive a Notice of Deficiency (NOD) to request additional information if the application is not complete. When the application is complete, a Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Apply (NORI) will be sent to the applicant for immediate publication. The NORI comment period can run concurrent with the technical review of the application.
Technical review of the application begins in the Water Quality Assessment Section, where receiving stream uses and effluent limits are determined. If it is a publically owned treatment works (POTW), then the permit will also go to the pretreatment team.
The permit coordinator receives memoranda from the other technical teams and completes the technical review of the application before preparing a draft permit. Input from the technical teams, regional offices, the enforcement division, and the applicant are considered. The permit coordinator will prepare a draft permit package for review by the applicant and TCEQ staff. The draft permit and application materials may be reviewed by the EPA, depending on the type of application other factors. The public and the EPA may submit comments for consideration, both of which can add to permit processing time. After these steps, the permit can then be issued.
Draft Permit
Draft Permit
A typical permit application flows from the applicant to:
The Applications Review & Processing Team
The Water Quality Assessment Section
A pretreatment reviewer (if required)
A permit coordinator
The Chief Clerk’s Office
The EPA (if required)
The permittee, as an issued permit
The permit coordinator and the applicant have active roles in communicating with the public and TCEQ staff.
It is normal to be contacted by several different people from the TCEQ.
Region & Enforcement

3. APPLICATION FORMS
10053-inst
Instructions for Completing the Domestic Wastewater Permit Application
10053
Domestic Wastewater Permit Application Administrative Report
10054
Domestic Wastewater Permit Application Technical Report
10400
TCEQ Core Data Form
The forms that are needed to apply are as follows:
10053-inst: Instructions for Completing the Domestic Wastewater Permit Application
10053: Domestic Wastewater Permit Application (PDF)
10054: Domestic Wastewater Permit Application Technical Report (PDF)
10400: TCEQ Core Data form
This graphic slide identifies the three forms that are needed to apply for a domestic wastewater permit. Form inst is a PDF file with instructions for completing the application. The Domestic Wastewater Permit Application (administrative report) is form number The Domestic Wastewater Permit Application Technical Report (technical report) is form number In addition, Form , the Core Data form, will be required in future applications.

4. APPLICATION FORMS
The Administrative Report of the application has been updated. It was revised on November 16, The Technical Report of the application was revised on September 1, 2016.
The Administrative Report and Technical Report application forms are currently being revised. They will be uploaded to the website sometime in June and will have an updated form date in the footer. There is a six month grace period before the revised versions become mandatory.

5. TYPES OF APPLICATIONS New* Amendment Renewal Brand new facility
Expired permits re-apply as new facilities
Amendment
Major Amendment*- substantially change or relax the permit.
Minor Amendment- change permit without relaxing it
Renewal
Continue an existing authorization
Can include a minor amendment
New*
Brand new facility
Expired permits re-apply as new facilities
Requires additional mailed notice to adjacent landowners and landowners for one mile downstream
Amendment
Major Amendment* – substantially change or relax the permit (requires additional mailed notice to adjacent landowners and landowners for one mile downstream)
Minor Amendment – update/change permit without relaxing the permit
Renewal
Continue an existing authorization
Can include a minor amendment
There are different categories of municipal permit applications and types of permits.
New permit applications are filed for brand new facilities. If a permit expires, the facility will need to re-apply as a new facility. Submit 330 days
Renewal applications are used to continue an existing authorization. Non-substantial changes can be accommodated during a renewal application (renewal with changes). A common minor amendment is adding an interim phase without changing the flow in the final phase. Submit 180 days
Major amendments are a change to a substantial term of the permit. For example, a major amendment would be to increase flow or increase a limit of a pollutant. If you are not sure about whether your amendment request is minor or major, contact New permit applications and major amendment applications have additional notice requirements and will require a list of adjacent and downstream landowners.
*Requires additional notice to adjacent and downstream landowners

6. Permit Classification
< 1.0 MGD
Standard pollutant screening
Standard pretreatment requirements (for POTWs)
≥ 1.0 MGD
Full pollutant screening
Biomonitoring
Possibly expanded pretreatment (for POTWs)
MINOR
MAJOR
The TCEQ and the EPA classify permits by flow. Facilities that have been permitted for less than one million gallons per day are considered minor facilities. Applications for a minor facility require a standard pollutant screening (see Worksheet 1.0 in the application). Publically owned treatment works (POTWs) will also have pretreatment requirements.
Major facilities (one million gallons per day or more) require more extensive pollutant screening (see Worksheet 4.0 in the application) and biomonitoring. Additional pretreatment requirements may apply for POTWs.
Minor < 1.0 MGD
Standard pollutant screening
Standard pretreatment requirements (for POTWs)
Major ≥ 1.0 MGD
Full pollutant screening
Biomonitoring
Possibly expanded pretreatment

7. TEXAS LAND APPLICATION Vs. REUSE AUTHORIZATION
TLAP
Dedicated disposal site
Permittee owns/leases land
Requires permit (330 days)
Reuse (210)
At user’s demand
Permittee does not control land
Attached to permit (30 days)
TLAP
Reuse (210)
Permittee owns/leases land
Dedicated disposal site
For more information about Chapter 210 reuse authorizations, refer to the presentation “Reuse of Domestic Reclaimed Water” as Presented by Louis C. Herrin, III.
Attached to existing TPDES/TLAP permit (30 days)
At user’s demand
Requires permit (330 days)
Permittee does not control land
It’s important to be accurate with terms like “land application” and “reuse”. In both cases, treated wastewater will be used for irrigation. However, “land application” and “reuse” mean very different things.
Reuse authorizations do not substitute for a TPDES or TLAP permit. You must have a wastewater permit before you can add a reuse authorization. Reuse authorizations do not force the end user to take the water, so you must have another permitted disposal method. Reuse authorizations can be added to a permit in about 30 days.
A 210 Reuse authorization is not required for reuse on the WWTP facility property. WTP can reuse on facility property w/ authorization letter
TLAP or “land application” permits require the permittee to own or lease a dedicated disposal site. TLAP permit applications typically take less than 330 days to process.

8. City of Austin Petition
30 TAC Chapters 222 and 309
The proposed rules would allow permittees and applicants to rely on the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater when calculating the size of effluent storage and the amount of land required for disposal of wastewater.
Subject: “City of Austin”
On March 14, 2016, the TCEQ received a petition from the City of Austin (petitioner).
The petitioner requested that the commission initiate rulemaking to amend 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapters 222 and 309. The proposed rules would allow permittees and applicants to rely on the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater when calculating the size of effluent storage and the amount of land required for disposal of wastewater. This would allow permittees and applicants to reduce the effluent storage size and dedicated land application acreage that are currently required by rule.
A draft of the proposed rules is currently being reviewed by Water Quality Division management. Once approved, they will be made available for public comment. If you would like to be included in the notices for the City of Austin petition stakeholder group, please send an to and please include "City of Austin" in the subject line of your .

9. ANTIBACKSLIDING What is backsliding? Material alteration
Can a less stringent permit be issued?
Material alteration
No control, no remedy
Appropriate treatment can’t meet limit
New information
Federal regulations - no permit
reissued with less stringent
conditions
Federal Anti-backsliding regulations (40 CFR Part (l)(2)(i)
Amendment applications are compared
to federal Antibacksliding regulations
Circumstances where a less stringent permit may be issued:
New information
Changed conditions
Recent plant performance
What is backsliding?
Any change in a permit that leads to less stringent conditions
Federal Anti-backsliding regulations 40 CFR Part (l)(2)(i)
Compared to an existing permit, relaxing permit terms has to follow the EPA guidelines on anti-backsliding. New information, changed conditions, and recent plant performance not available at the time of the last permit action may be used to justify issuing a less stringent permit. There must be proper justification for any change that would lead to less stringent permit conditions.

10. Public Utilities Commission
REGIONALIZATION
State policy prefers regional or area-wide wastewater treatment systems over a large number of smaller treatment systems
New and expanding plants contact existing wastewater treatment providers
Provide a 3 mile radius map from the point of discharge that lists all permitted municipal facilities or collection systems
Public Utilities Commission
( )
When proposing a new plant or expanded plant, please provide information on regionalization. The applicant is required to provide a 3 mile radius map from the point of discharge that lists all permitted municipal facilities or collection systems within that radius. The applicant must then contact these facilities via letter to see if they can provide service for the proposed flows and provide copies of these letters and responses to TCEQ. If a facility can accept the proposed flows then the applicant must provide a cost comparison estimate of connecting to and obtaining service from the plant willing to accept the flow versus building/expanding and operating their proposed facilities. Call if you need help identifying facilities within 3 miles of the plant. The applicant must also check if the proposed service area is inside another service area that has an existing Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). Call the Public Utilities Commission at for more information on CCNs.
State policy prefers regional or area-wide wastewater treatment systems over a large number of smaller treatment systems.
New and expanding plants contact existing wastewater treatment providers
Provide a 3 mile radius map from the point of discharge that lists all permitted municipal facilities or collection systems
CCN issues ( )

11. BEFORE ACCEPTING WASTE…
Domestic septage (septic tanks) or chemical toilet waste
Domestic WWTP biosolids
Grit or grease
Brewery, bottling, and food processing wastewater
Animal feed or animal processing wastewater
Is it good for my treatment process?
Do I have organic capacity?
Before accepting waste, ask yourself or an expert if it is good for your treatment process and do I have enough organic capacity. Be careful about accepting high-strength wastewater at your treatment facility. Some of the sources may surprise you.
Ask yourself or an expert:
Is it good for my treatment process?
Do I have organic capacity?
Accepting wastes can harm your treatment process. Be aware of the risks before you accept wastes like:
Domestic septage (septic tanks) or chemical toilet waste
Domestic WWTP biosolids
Grit or grease
Brewery, bottling, and food processing wastewater
Animal feed or animal processing wastewater

12. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
TO AVOID COMMON ERRORS...
Fill out all contact information
Sign the form
Provide complete maps
Update the location description (as needed)
Provide a complete landowner list (as needed)
The administrative report form collects general information about the applicant, ownership of the facility, location of the facility, landowners in the vicinity of the facility, and other similar information. It is important to fill out all necessary contact information, sign the form, and provide complete maps. The application can also be delayed if the location description is not up to date, if the landowner list is needed but not complete, or if the arrangements have not been made to display the application and draft permit in a public place.
Fill out all contact information
Sign the form
Provide complete maps
Arrange to have the application displayed in a public building
Update the location description (as needed)
Provide a complete landowner list (as needed)

13. TECHNICAL REVIEW Address Other Requirements in existing permit
TO AVOID COMMON ERRORS...
Address Other Requirements in existing permit
Provide a clear buffer zone map: should be 8.5 X 11, black and white
Provide a complete, current pollutant analysis with lab results sheets
Include justification for unbuilt phases or flow request
Common mistakes in permit applications include a bad buffer zone map, incomplete pollutant analysis or data that is too old, not providing regionalization information or flow justification, and failing to address other requirements in the existing permit.
No discussion of Other Requirements
Inadequate buffer zone map: should be 8.5 X 11, black and white, not google maps
Inadequate pollutant analysis: incomplete, old, wrong units, no lab sheets
No justification for unbuilt phases or flow request
Treatment process, treatment unit dimensions, process flow chart incomplete
Provide description of treatment process, list unit dimensions, complete process flow chart (for all phases)

14. BUFFER ZONE MAP EXAMPLE
Buffer zones are required for:
Separation from public and private water sources
Nuisance odor control
A good buffer zone map:
Is on one 8.5x11 inch sheet of paper
Is in black and white (Google maps don’t copy well)
Shows all adjacent property owners
Shows all nearby public and private water supplies
Shows the distance from the adjacent property or water supply to the nearest treatment unit
Shows how the buffer zones are met for each adjacent property (legal restrictions, a nuisance odor control plan, etc.)
See 30 TAC §309.13
Note that on-site lift stations are considered treatment units for buffer zone purposes.
This graphic slide shows a buffer zone map. The map shows the distance from each treatment unit to the nearest property line, who owns the affected adjacent properties, and how the buffer zone requirements will be met. Note that on-site lift stations are considered a treatment unit for buffer zone purposes.

15. COMPLIANCE HISTORY REVIEW
Compliance history period is 5 years from the date the application was received
If you have an Admin Order or more than 10 NOVs, you will be contacted by the permit coordinator for more information on the issues that caused the Order or violations
High compliance history rating requires no further review
Satisfactory compliance history may require the Executive Review Committee if there are Admin Orders or more than 10 Notice of Violations
Poor compliance history requires the Executive Review Committee and other steps to make sure the issues have been resolved
Special language may be added as a result of the ERC
High
Satisfactory
Poor
No further review
Executive Review Committee
Other Review
No Admin Orders & <10 NOVs
Admin Orders or ≥10 NOVs
Before a draft permit can be technically complete, it’s compliance history must be reviewed. The compliance history period is 5 years from the date the application was received. If the facility has an Admin Order or more than 10 Notice of Violations, you will be contacted for more information regarding the violations. If the compliance history is satisfactory with orders or excessive violations or the compliance history is poor, the permit coordinator presents the permit at the Executive Review Committee (ERC) for approval to proceed with the permitting process. Special language may be added as a result of the ERC.

16. DRAFT PERMIT PACKAGE
Draft Permit Package
Cover Letter
Public Notice (NAPD)
Statement of Basis
Fact Sheet
Draft Permit
A draft permit package has several parts. The cover letter, technical summary, and NAPD are sent for applicant review. The cover letter will highlight changes that have been made in the draft permit. The technical summary and NAPD should be reviewed closely for accuracy. The permit will also be sent for review. It is very important to review the effluent limits page, Other Requirements section, and the pretreatment and biomonitoring sections.
Draft Permit Package
Cover Letter
Public Notice (NAPD)
Statement of Basis
Fact Sheet
Draft Permit
Draft Permit Package
Statement of Basis
Public Notice (NAPD)
Cover Letter
Draft Permit
Fact Sheet

17. KNOWING YOUR DRAFT PERMIT
Authorization Page
Effluent Limits
Standard Provisions
Sludge Provisions
Other Requirements or Special Provisions
Pretreatment & Biomonitoring
A draft permit is composed of several parts, including: (1) the authorization page, (2) the effluent limits, (3) the standard provisions, (4) the standard sludge provisions, (5) the other requirements, and (6) pretreatment and biomonitoring sections. If you have a limited amount of time to review the draft permit, focus on the authorization page, effluent limits, other requirements, and pretreatment or biomonitoring requirements. The pretreatment and biomonitoring sections may not be included, based on the type and size of your facility.
Draft Permit
Authorization Page
Effluent Limits
Standard Provisions
Sludge Provisions
Other Requirements
Pretreatment & Biomonitoring
Draft Permit
Authorization Page (review carefully)
Sludge Provisions
Standard Provisions
Effluent Limits (review carefully)
Pretreatment & Biomonitoring (review carefully)
Other Requirements (review carefully)

18. WHAT’S IN YOUR PERMIT Segment & geographic issues Treatment technology
BOD, TSS, DO, NH3-N, bacteria, others
Segment & geographic issues
Treatment technology
Past performance
Other Requirements
Permit specific issues
Pretreatment Requirements
POTW
Full program required for >4.0 MGD
Biomonitoring Requirements
Major permits
Freshwater or saltwater
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET)
BOD, TSS, DO, NH3-N, bacteria, others
Segment & geographic issues
Treatment technology
Past performance
Other Requirements
Permit specific issues
Pretreatment Requirements
POTW
Full program required for >4.0 MGD
Biomonitoring Requirements
Major permits
Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET)
The effluent limitation and monitoring requirements that are included in your permit depend on several different factors. Permit effluent limitation (BOD, TSS, DO, ammonia nitrogen, and others) depend on segment/basin & geographic issues, treatment technology, and past performance of the treatment plan. Other Requirements depend on segment & geographic issues, past performance, and permit specific issues. Pretreatment language is required for all POTWs and pretreatment programs are required for POTWs greater than or equal to 4 MGD. Biomonitoring is required for major permits and Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is required for major permits depending on past performance.

19. This graphic slide shows the first page of the draft permit, the authorization page. This page includes the permittee mailing address, the facility site location, and the expiration date. TPDES permits will include a discharge route description, while TLAP permits will include a disposal site location and effluent application rate.

20. HB 3618 would repeal TWC 26.0285, eliminating the Basin Cycle
The expiration date for a TPDES permit is based on the basin cycle for the receiving segment and will be at least two years but no more than five years in length (30 TAC § , Basin Permitting). The expiration date for a TLAP permit will also be based on the basin cycle, however, the permit term will typically be between 5-10 years in length.
HB3618, if passed, takes effect September 1, 2017 and will eliminate the Basin Cycle. TPDES permits would then be issued for a 5-year term.
30 TAC § Basin Permitting

21. The phase duration length.
Current 30 TAC §
Effluent limits are based on treatment technology and receiving segment criteria. Additional pollutants may be included due to TMDLs or 303(d) impairment listing
This graphic slides is an example of a typical minor TPDES permit. The first item will state the duration of the phase. The second item states the permitted daily average flow in million gallons per day (MGD) and 2-hour peak flow if applicable.
The monitoring frequency and sampling type for flow depends on the permitted flow amount. Some existing minor facilities under 0.5 MGD will have sample flow via instantaneous measurement five times per week. All permits with unbuilt phases or new permits will monitor flow continuously via totalizing meter, regardless of permitted daily average flow.
The effluent limits are based on the recommendations of our Water Quality Assessment Teams. These limits incorporate the treatment technology of the facility (ie. natural system versus mechanical treatment) and the receiving segment criteria. The Technology Based Effluent Limits (TBELs) and Water Quality Based Effluent Limits (WQBELs) will be compared and the more stringent of the two will be included in the permit. Additional pollutants may be included due to any applicable Total Maximum Daily Load projects (TMDLs) or 2014 CWA 303(d) listing for impaired segments.

22. Bacteria limits are included in all TPDES permits pursuant to 30 TAC 309 and 319, and 2010 TSWQS
Sampling type and monitoring frequency are determined by flow in 30 TAC § 319.9
This graphic slide shows page 2 of a TPDES permit. The monitoring frequency and sample type for all permitted pollutants are determined by the daily average flow of the facility according to 30 TAC Facilities with <0.5 MGD will sample via grab. Facilities of 0.5 MGD and above will sample via composite. DO and pH area always sampled via grab.
The effluent limits page includes a description of the disinfection method and any corresponding requirements (ie. chlorine residual sampling).
Finally, all permits (new and renewals) now include bacteria limits. Discharges into freshwater are required to sample for E. coli bacteria, while discharges into saltwater and direct discharges into the Red River are required to sample for Enterococci.
Disinfection method and corresponding requirements (e.g. UV, chlorination, or natural treatment).

23. TCEQ/EPA BACTERIA LIMITS
Bacteria limits in all discharge permits
Typically 126 CFU per 100 mL E. coli for freshwater
Typically 35 CFU per 100 mL enterococci for saltwater
May be less with TMDL
Minimum Required Bacteria Monitoring Frequency
(30 TAC Table 2)
Flow (MGD)
Chlorine Systems
Ultraviolet Systems
Natural Systems
>10
5/week
Daily
>5-10
3/week
>1-5
1/week
>
2/month
1/month
<0.1
1/quarter
TCEQ and EPA reached a bacteria rule agreement. The frequency of measurement is determined by type of disinfection and size of the facility. Freshwater dischargers get E. coli., salt water dischargers get Enterococci. Every domestic wastewater permit is required to have bacteria limits in it. Generally the bacteria limit is a daily average based on a geometric mean of 126 E. coli CFU or MPN per 100 ml or 35 Enterococci CFU or MPN per 100 ml. However if the permit discharges to a segment that is impaired for bacteria and that has a completed TMDL and implementation plan, the bacteria limit may be lower.
Bacteria limits in all discharge permits
Typically 126 CFU per 100 mL E. coli (freshwater)
Typically 35 CFU per 100 mL enterococci (saltwater)
TMDLs may require tighter bacteria limits
Monitoring frequencies for bacteria are given in 30 TAC 319.9, Table 2)
Larger facilities sample more often than smaller systems
UV system sample more often than natural systems
Natural systems sample more often than chlorine systems

24. Effluent limits are based on the disposal method in 30 TAC § 309.4
Effluent must be chlorinated if used for irrigation on land with the potential for public exposure.
Sampling type and monitoring frequency are determined by flow
This graphic slide is the standard effluent limits page for a minor TLAP permit. Since Texas Land Application Permits are state authorizations only, they are not subject to federal guidelines or EPA review.
Effluent limits for a TLAP consist of BOD5 and pH. Total suspended solids (TSS) limit and chlorination are included for permits with the potential for public exposure.

25. New application forms are now available
RECENT CHANGES
Lab tests must be able to give results at or below the minimum analytical level (MAL)
The next presenter will discuss recent MAL changes
Samples taken on or after July 14, 2014 must use the new minimum analytical level (MAL)
New application forms are now available
MAL
Lab Result (one sample)
Valid?
10 μg/L
15 μg/L
Yes
5 μg/L
< 5 μg/L
< 15 μg/L
No – retest
Recent changes for municipal wastewater permitting include: new minimum analytical level (MAL) and new applications. Samples taken on or after July 14, 2014 must use the new MALs. The chart shows under what conditions a lab result would be valid or invalid. For example, if the MAL is 10 μg/L: 15 μg/L, 5 μg/L, and <5 μg/L would be valid. However <15 μg/L would not be valid because it is unclear whether or not the value is above or below the MAL.

26. RECENT CHANGES
2014 List of Impaired Waters (Clean Water Act 303(d) List) TCEQ adopted June 3, 2015 and EPA approved November 19, 2015
E-reporting is required for DMRs and annual sludge report for TPDES permits
Effective December 21, 2016, monitoring results must be submitted online using the NetDMR reporting system available through the TCEQ website unless the permittee requests and obtains an electronic reporting waiver. Monitoring results must be signed and certified as required by Monitoring and Reporting Requirements No. 10.
Effective September 1, 2020, the permittee must submit the annual sludge report using the online electronic reporting system available through the TCEQ website unless the permittee requests and obtains an electronic reporting waiver. The Reporting Requirements of the Sludge Provisions have also been updated.
The owner or operator of a wastewater treatment facility or collection system that is owned or operated by a local government, may report accidental discharges or spills of treated or untreated wastewater that do not endanger human health or safety or the environment to the executive director as a monthly summary if each individual accidental discharge or spill:
(1) has a volume of 1,000 gallons or less;
(2) is not associated with another simultaneous accidental discharge or spill of treated or untreated wastewater;
(3) is controlled or removed before the accidental discharge or spill enters water in the state or adversely affects a public or private source of drinking water; and
(4) is not otherwise subject to local regulatory control and reporting requirements.
Certain accidental discharges under 1,000 gallons may be reported monthly, 30 TAC §

27. TO CLARIFY THE PROCESS…
Respond to Notices of Deficiency
Publish both public notices and return documents (30 days each)
Check for bilingual requirements
Check accuracy and formatting
Complete/correct affidavit and verification
Contact the Chief Clerk’s Office at with questions about the publication process
Review draft permit and send approval or comments
Respond to Notices of Deficiency
Publish both public notices and return documents (30 days NORI, 45 days NAPD)
Check for bilingual requirements
Check accuracy and formatting
Complete/correct affidavit and verification
Contact the Chief Clerk’s Office at with questions about the publication process
Review draft permit and send approval or comments
Once the permit is drafted and the applicant reviews and accepts the permit, this is not the end of the process. Both notices, the Notice of Receipt and Intent (NORI) and the Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision (NAPD) need to be published. Additionally, the required information needs to be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk (OCC). The NAPD will not even be sent to the applicant until all of the material is correctly submitted to the OCC for the NORI. If you have questions on the notices, contact the OCC at
CHECK FOR ACCURACY! Errors in the NAPD mean re-notice is required!
The NORI and NAPD, in addition to being published in English, may also need to be published in a second language. Follow the check sheet on the Public Notice form that is sent with both notice packets to determine if a bilingual notice is required. At the time the NAPD is published, the application material, the draft permit, and the fact sheet or technical summary must all be made available during normal business hours at a place of public viewing.

28. HELPFUL WEBSITE RESOURCES
This graphic slide illustrates use of the TCEQ webpage to keep track of the status of a permit application. Start by clicking ‘View Pending Matters and File Documents’.
The TCEQ home page ( has several helpful tools. You can:
Search the whole website [top-right corner],
Browse information designed for the public, for business, or for local governments [left-hand side, choose Public, Businesses, or Governments]
Browse general information about water regulation [right-hand side, choose WATER],
Browse general information about permits or registrations [left-hand side, choose Permits, Registrations],
Track an application, view notices, make comments, see enforcement actions [right-hand side, choose View Pending Matters and File Documents],
Search for information about a specific permit [left hand side, choose from the options under Search Central Registry , -or- center, choose Find the status of a permit, license] ,
Find application forms [left-hand side, choose Forms].

29. COMMISSIONERS’ INTEGRATED DATABASE PART 1
This graphic slide shows a screen capture of the Commissioners’ Integrated Database. Enter the 5 digit number after WQ00 in the TCEQ ID Number field and hit enter. To read comments received from the public, click the “Include all correspondence from the public on this Item” option.

30. COMMISSIONERS’ INTEGRATED DATABASE PART 2
The next page will have some selected actions and the dates they occurred. To display all actions related to your permit, click the ‘Display all Activity Actions’ link. To read public comments received, click the “Display all Comments” link.

31. COMMISSIONERS’ INTEGRATED DATABASE PART 3
You will now see a list of all the recorded actions associated with your permit. There is sometimes a delay of a few days from when the Office of the Chief Clerk receives something and when the database gets updated. But if you have returned material for one or the other notice and it is not listed in the database as received, please contact the OCC at to see if there is anything incorrect in what was submitted. Both notices have clickable links that will display the official notice as a PDF. It is possible to copy the text to a word file. The state seal will not copy but the state seal is not needed to be published. This is especially helpful if a newspaper needs an electronic copy of the notice to publish.

32. THE PERMITTING PROCESS
Applications Team
Water Quality Assessment
Pretreatment
Permit Coordinator
Chief Clerk’s Office
NOD & NORI
Application
NAPD
Public comments
EPA
Issued Permit
ISSUED PERMIT
This graphic slide shows the generalized flow of an application through the permitting process. The diagram shows the major processes only and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional information or action may be required during any part of the permitting process. Dashed arrows show the major interactions. The applicant and the permit coordinator play central roles in moving an application through the permitting process.
The applicant sends the application to the Applications Review and Processing Team, where the application is reviewed for administrative completeness. The applicant will receive a Notice of Deficiency (NOD) to request additional information if the application is not complete. When the application is complete, a Notice of Receipt of Application and Intent to Apply (NORI) will be sent to the applicant for immediate publication. The NORI comment period can run concurrent with the technical review of the application.
Technical review of the application begins in the Water Quality Assessment Section, where receiving stream uses and effluent limits are determined. If it is a publically owned treatment works (POTW), then the permit will also go to the pretreatment team.
The permit coordinator receives memoranda from the other technical teams and completes the technical review of the application before preparing a draft permit. Input from the technical teams, regional offices, the enforcement division, and the applicant are considered. The permit coordinator will prepare a draft permit package for review by the applicant and TCEQ staff. The draft permit and application materials may be reviewed by the EPA, depending on the type of application other factors. The public and the EPA may submit comments for consideration, both of which can add to permit processing time. After these steps, the permit can then be issued.
Draft Permit
Draft Permit
A typical permit application flows from the applicant to:
The Applications Review & Processing Team
The Water Quality Assessment Section
A pretreatment reviewer (if required)
A permit coordinator
The Chief Clerk’s Office
The EPA (if required)
The permittee, as an issued permit
The permit coordinator and the applicant have active roles in communicating with the public and TCEQ staff.
It is normal to be contacted by several different people from the TCEQ.
Region & Enforcement

33. If I have lots of questions… If I have public notice questions
APPLICATION HELP
If I have questions…
Call (512)
If I have lots of questions…
Consider pre-application meeting with TCEQ staff
If I have public notice questions
Call the Chief Clerk at (512)
If I have questions…
Call (512)
If I have lots of questions or unique issues…
Consider pre-application meeting with TCEQ staff
If you have questions about how to fill out the application, contact the Municipal Wastewater Permits Team at
Ask for the Applications Team if it pertains to the Administrative Report, landowner mailing list, etc. or the Municipal Team if it pertains to the Technical Report.
Pre-application meetings can be scheduled with TCEQ staff if you need assistance during the application process.

34. ANY QUESTIONS?

35. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The following slides provide additional information and resources that was not part of the live presentation.
The following slides provide additional information and resources that was not part of the live presentation.

36. 2010 Implementation Procedures
Nutrient criteria (as chlorophyll a) has been added for reservoirs
Applies to all new or expanding permits larger than 0.25 MGD, and renewals on a case-by-case basis
May result in total nitrogen or total phosphorus limits
For details refer to Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (2010) and 30 TAC, Chapter 307, Appendix F
Dechlorination changes pending – see Water Quality Stakeholders webcasts
Application revisions pending
There are several changes to be aware of that may affect permit applications, draft permits, and issued permits. The EPA has recently approved portions of the 2010 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. The EPA approved portions are currently being used to draft permits. The addition of nutrient criteria (as chlorophyll a) for reservoirs may result in the total nitrogen or total phosphorus limits in the future.
Draft 2012 Ips have not been approved by the Commission or EPA
Nutrient criteria (as chlorophyll a) has been added for reservoirs
Applies to all new or expanding permits larger than 0.25 MGD, and renewals on a case-by-case basis
May result in total nitrogen or total phosphorus limits
For details refer to Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (2010) and 30 TAC, Chapter 307, Appendix F

37. PROGRAM LOCATION QUICK REFERENCE
Commissioners
Chief Clerk
Executive Director
Office of Administrative Services
Chief Engineer’s Office
Office of Compliance and Enforcement
Office of Legal Services
Office of Air
Office of Waste
Office of Water
The TCEQ's Office of Water handles wastewater permits.
The Office of Water and the Chief Clerk's Office are in different branches of the TCEQ. The Office of Water is under the Executive Director. Other Offices in this branch include the Office of Administrative Services, Chief Engineer’s Office, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Office of Legal Services, Office of Air, and Office of Water.
This graphic slide identifies that the office of water is one of many offices under the direction of the TCEQ Executive Director. The TCEQ Chief Clerk’s Office is under direction of the Commissioners, not the Executive Director.
The graphic is an abridged version of the TCEQ organization chart, and is not intended to encompass all programs of the TCEQ.

38. PROGRAM LOCATION QUICK REFERENCE
Office of Water
Water Availability
Water Quality Planning
Water Supply
Water Quality Permits
Industrial
Municipal (Domestic)
Stormwater
Agriculture
Office of Water
Water Availability
Water Quality
Water Quality Planning
Water Supply
Water Quality Permits
Industrial
Municipal (Domestic)
Stormwater
Agriculture
This graphic slide shows that municipal (domestic) wastewater permit applications are processed by the Water Quality Division, which is a part of the Office of Water. The Water Quality Division also processes individual wastewater permits for industries, stormwater, and agriculture. The Water Quality Division handles the review and processing of wastewater permit applications. Questions about enforcement, utility rates, and drinking water are handled by other parts of the TCEQ.

39. HELPFUL RESOURCES
TCEQ website:
Keyword/forms search (database, Spanish templates, 10053, 10054, municipal wastewater permits, etc.)
Central Records
Chief Clerk’s Office:
Water Quality Division:
Regional Offices
Summary of helpful resources available on the web and via TCEQ phone numbers. The main TCEQ website is There is a search box on the upper right corner. Some helpful keyword searches for municipal permits are: (administrative report and instruction booklet), (technical report), Spanish Templates, database (brings up a link to the Commissioners' Integrated Database to track permit status).
Some helpful phone numbers. The main water quality division number is The Office of the Chief Clerk’s number is The Central Records phone number is
TCEQ website:
Keyword/forms search (database, Spanish templates, 10053, 10054, municipal wastewater permits, etc.)
Central Records
Chief Clerk’s Office:
Water Quality Division:
Regional Offices