The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved one rule matter and two revisions to the State Implementation Plan on December 15. The commission also considered, then denied two petitions for rulemaking. The commission voted to adopt updates to requirements for fixed-roof storage tanks in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria ozone nonattainment area. Commissioners also approved SIP revisions for the area, which include analysis of photochemical modeling, weight of evidence, reasonably available control technology and control measures. In addition, the revision includes a motor vehicle emissions budget for 2017 and a contingency plan. The second SIP revision adopted calls for analysis and demonstration of progress toward attainment of national ambient air quality standards in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area. The commission also initiated a rulemaking petition requesting revisions to rules that address requirements for both injection well permitting and radioactive materials licensing for uranium mining operations. The commission denied petition requests for rule revisions. A petition to create a new occupational certification of “certified designer” for septic systems was denied, as was a request to exclude temporary parking lots from existing rules pertaining to the application of water or oil in dust suppression. The TCEQ’s next agenda meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2017.
