Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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NATURAL RESOURCES/General
77 th Texas Legislature
Extends the petroleum storage tank program (Chapter 26, Texas Water Code), until September 1, 2006,
allowing continued remediation and reimbursement for removal of leaking tanks. Requires secondary
containment systems for underground storage tanks over the Edwards and Trinity aquifers in Bexar and
Comal counties.
Requires adherence to TNRCC notice and hearing requirements for applications to reopen a closed or
inactive solid waste landfill.
Authorizes TNRCC to allow construction or operation of a new concentrated animal feeding operation, or
an increase in the number of animals at an existing operation, only by a new or amended individual permit.
Requires waste disposal from such an operation to be regulated and specifies TNRCC approval in certain
instances.
Requires a permit for the land application of Class B sludge, defined as sewage sludge meeting certain
legal pathogen reduction requirements. Defines “land application units” as areas where wastes are applied
to soil surfaces for agricultural purposes, or for treatment and disposal. Provides that notice and hearing
requirements apply to applications for Class B sludge processing permits and that permits may not exceed
a six-year term.
Authorizes TNRCC to take immediate remedial or removal action to protect human health and the
environment, if it determines there is a release, or threat of release of a hazardous substance at a scrap tire
site.
Requires TNRCC to ensure that a solid waste processing facility is regulated as a solid waste facility under
the Solid Waste Disposal Act and not allowed to operate unregulated, as a recycling facility.
Requires an applicant for a permit for a new municipal solid waste facility hold a public meeting in the
county where the proposed facility will be located and publish notice according to TNRCC requirements.
Extends prohibition of storing hazardous waste in solution-mined salt dome cavern to include sulfur mines.
Authorizes a veterinarian to dispose of animal remains by burial or burning if the activity occurs on the
veterinarian’s property, he or she does not charge for the burning or burial, and occurs in a county with a
population less than 10,000.
TNRCC Encourages Environmental Management Systems - H.B. 2997
by Representatives Callegari and Chisum
Senate Sponsor: Senator Lucio
Texas has not developed a comprehensive program for the use of environmental management systems
(system) that assist regulated businesses in reaching, maintaining, and even exceeding compliance with
environmental regulations.
Requires TNRCC to adopt a comprehensive program providing regulatory incentives to encourage the use
of environmental management systems by regulated entities, state agencies, and local governments, such
as on-site technical assistance and accelerated access to information.
Senate Research Center 227