The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved on March 11 penalties amounting to $1,073,244 against 29 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
The commission said the penalties were issued through agreed orders in several enforcement categories, including air quality, industrial hazardous waste, multi-media violations, municipal wastewater discharges, petroleum storage tanks, public water systems, and water quality. A default order was also issued for a petroleum storage tank violation. In addition to these actions, the executive director approved on March 10 penalties totaling $121,836 against 43 entities.
These enforcement actions are part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to regulate emissions and maintain public health standards across Texas. The Texas Department of Environmental Quality enforces regulations covering air emissions, water pollution, waste disposal and petroleum storage oversight according to the official website.
The department operates from its main administrative headquarters in Austin at Park 35 Circle and extends its reach statewide through 16 regional offices according to the official website. About 2,800 staff work from these locations to oversee compliance and enforcement activities according to the official website.
The agency aims to protect Texas by reducing and preventing pollution while promoting clean air, clean water and safe waste management aligned with sustainable economic development according to the official website. Its divisions collaborate on compliance and enforcement as well as air, water and waste regulation throughout the state according to the official website.
Agenda items from the meeting can be viewed on the TCEQ website. The next agenda meeting is scheduled for April 1. Meetings are available live via webcast or archived on YouTube.
