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2018 Texas Surface Water Quality Standards

Information about the 2018 revision of the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards and how they are approved, and links to previous versions including supporting documents.

TCEQ Adopted Revisions in 2018 

On February 7, 2018, the Commissioners adopted revisions to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (TSWQS), as codified by rule in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307. The 2018 TSWQS became effective as a state rule on March 1, 2018.

TCEQ submitted the 2018 TSWQS revisions and supporting documentation to EPA for review and approval on February 26, 2018. EPA provides notice to TCEQ whenever approval or other actions are taken on portions of the revised TSWQS. EPA must approve the 2018 TSWQS before TCEQ may use them for federal permitting programs and other Clean Water Act (CWA) purposes.

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TSWQS Acted on or Under Review

EPA is still reviewing portions of the 2000, 2010, and 2014 TSWQS. If a portion of the TSWQS is disapproved or still under review by EPA, the language in the prior revision year remains in effect for CWA purposes. During EPA’s review of the 2018 TSWQS, federally delegated state permitting programs, such as the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) program, will continue to use portions of the 1997, 2000, 2010, and 2014 TSWQS. The 2018 TSWQS are in effect for non-federal programs unless specifically disapproved by the EPA.

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2018 TSWQS Background Information

The Commissioners approved staff’s recommendation to propose the 2018 TSWQS rule package for public comment on August 23, 2017. TCEQ published the request for comments in the Texas Register on September 8, 2017. The formal comment period ended on October 17, 2017.

TCEQ held a public hearing in Austin on October 16, 2017, which was also webcast, to receive oral and written comments on the 2018 TSWQS rule package. The hearing was structured to receive oral or written comments. No one made an oral statement about the proposed rule changes, but several people submitted written statements to TCEQ staff.

The Commissioners adopted the final rule on February 7, 2018. TCEQ published the final rulemaking in the February 23, 2018 issue of the Texas Register. The rule became effective for state programs on March 1, 2018.

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EPA Review of the 2018 TSWQS

On February 27, 2018, TCEQ submitted a package in support of the adopted revisions to the 2018 TSWQS to EPA. EPA has completed several action letters, which are linked below. However, these letters do not address all outstanding portions of the rule requiring EPA review. Major sections still under consideration by EPA include revisions to Table 1 in Section 307.6 regarding toxic criteria for the protection of aquatic life; several revised site-specific criteria in Appendix A and D; and several site-specific recreational uses and criteria for unclassified water bodies in Appendix G.

EPA Action Letters

2018 TSWQS: EPA Actioned Highlighted Version

*Disclaimer: The user-friendly rule documents that TCEQ makes available on this site are not a substitute for the official rules as approved and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. See full disclaimer. Email the Secretary of State’s office to request official copies of final TCEQ rules.

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The 2018 TSWQS and Associated Documents

Associated Documents:

*Disclaimer: The rules that TCEQ makes available on this site are not a substitute for the official rules as approved and filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. See full disclaimer. Email the Secretary of State’s office to request official copies of final TCEQ rules.

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Contact the Water Quality Standards Program

For more information about the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (30 TAC Chapter 307), please email standards@tceq.texas.gov, or call the Water Quality Planning Division at 512-239-6682. You may also send a fax to 512-239-4410 or mail to TCEQ, MC-234, PO BOX 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.

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