This permit has been developed for hydrostatic test water discharges from crude oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production operations. This will include pipelines and intermediate storage facilities covered under a RRC or EPA permit.
The TCEQ received approval from the EPA on January 15, 2021 and is now accepting permit applications.
Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This has included such discharges as produced water, hydrostatic test water, and process wastewater from mid-stream units. In 2019 the Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2771 which requires the TCEQ to submit a request to EPA for the authority to regulate wastewater discharges into water in the state from crude oil and natural gas exploration, development, or production.
Related Services
Types of Permits Affected
In anticipation of EPA approval, the TCEQ has started work on several permits under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES), including the following:
This permit is currently under development to authorize discharges from onshore stripper wells, coastal facilities, and territorial seas facilities. It will replace the current EPA General Permits TXG260000 and TXG330000.
This permit is currently under development to authorize discharges to the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf between 3 miles and 10.5 miles from shore. This will be in addition to the EPA’s General Permit GMG290000 as the EPA does not delegate the authority for this area.
TCEQ is updating the TPDES Individual Permit application forms to include oil and gas discharges. Gas plants and produced water facilities that are located west of the 98th meridian will be subject to this permit.
When to Apply
For the Hydrostatic Test General Permit, upon approval of the TCEQ program, new and existing dischargers must apply for authorization, replacing the existing EPA and RRC permits.
For all other existing permits, continue to comply with the existing EPA and/or RRC permits until they expire and then apply for the new TCEQ permit before the earliest expiration date of either permit. The TCEQ permit will replace them both.
How to Get Assistance
TRC Environmental Corporation has extensive experience with TCEQ TPDES permitting, as well as EPA and RRC permitting. We are glad to provide any assistance throughout the permitting process. Please contact Bruce Daniel, PE at (713) 244-1090 or BDaniel@trccompanies.com for further information.
In addition, the TCEQ has an Oil and Gas Compliance Assistance Website which can be utilized: ( https://www.tceq.texas.gov/assistance/industry/oil-and-gas/oilgas.html ).
Partager nos perspectives
Nos praticiens partagent leurs idées et leurs points de vue sur les tendances et les défis qui façonnent le marché.
Aperçus
Improve Data Quality and Reduce Costs with Accurate Field Capture
juillet 16, 2025
Discover how Lemur mobile mapping empowers utilities to improve data quality, streamline field operations and reduce costs. Lemur provides a unified, intuitive mobile solution that works online and offline, ensuring compliance and real-time decision-making.
Aperçus
Reduce Energy Market Risk with the Right Tools, Data and Integration Strategies
juin 27, 2025
Explore how global energy market participants can reduce risk and improve forecasting through advanced analytics, integrated data strategies, and real-time insights.
Aperçus
The Transformative Benefits of 3D Facility Mapping for Utilities
juin 26, 2025
Discover how modern 3D facility mapping empowers utilities to modernize infrastructure, improve asset management, and enable remote workflows with accurate digital twins, delivering cost savings and operational efficiency.
Aperçus
Reaching Digital Utopia Is Easier Than You Think—How to Build True IT/OT Integration
juin 26, 2025
Discover how utilities can overcome common challenges and achieve true IT/OT integration by focusing on vision, alignment, change management, standardization, and scalable strategy.
Aperçus
Is Now the Right Time for Utilities to Deploy Innovative AMI 2.0 Solutions?
juin 5, 2025
Discover why now is the ideal time for utilities to deploy AMI 2.0, unlocking real-time data, operational efficiency and grid modernization benefits.
Aperçus
The Power of Enterprise Integrations for Utilities
juin 4, 2025
Discover how integrating enterprise systems empowers utilities to streamline operations, enhance grid reliability and deliver superior customer service.
Aperçus
Exceed Compliance Demands and Improve Leak Survey & Management with Mobile Asset Mapping
avril 30, 2025
Leak detection and management is one of the most critical functions for utility companies managing gas infrastructure. As regulatory pressure mounts and public expectations shift, utility operators face a new era where legacy leak survey workflows are struggling to keep up
Nouvelles
L’équipe d’intégrité de la CVR s’agrandit !
mai 6, 2024
Les douze derniers mois ont apporté des changements positifs à l’équipe d’intégrité des pipelines de TRC. Plusieurs experts de l’industrie ont rejoint usas nous continuons à répondre aux besoins techniques et de conformité de l’industrie.
Mises à jour réglementaires
L’EPA publie des règlements sur les émissions des réservoirs du secteur pétrolier et gazier naturel
avril 30, 2024
Les exploitants de cuves de stockage ou de batteries-citernes doivent réduire leurs émissions de 95 %.
Aperçus
Les éléments essentiels de la gestion de la végétation
février 1, 2024
La gestion de la végétation évolue afin de réduire le risque de dommages à l’infrastructure des services publics. Découvrez comment nos services de gestion de la végétation peuvent vous aider.
Aperçus
Gain a Competitive Advantage with Location-based AI
octobre 18, 2023
Using AI can help transform business operations, and more, with data science services that deliver.
Nouvelles
Proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments Rule – Status of Public Comments
juillet 31, 2023
TRC has submitted public comments related to EPA’s proposed compliance timeline and schedule.
Mises à jour réglementaires
PHMSA Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule Now Effective
juillet 24, 2023
TRC summarizes the revised or added sections of RIN2.
EPA Proposes Regulation of Green House Gas Emissions
juillet 10, 2023
This article highlights the EPA’s proposed rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and the potential impact on new and existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.
Mises à jour réglementaires
EPA Issues Clarification of Free Product Removal Requirements
juin 20, 2023
EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.
Aperçus
Modernize Your Field Services with GIS and Work Order Management Combined
juin 15, 2023
The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.
Aperçus
The Power of Excellence in Utility Construction Management
avril 27, 2023
How outsourcing this critical project phase can save money, minimize risk and improve outcomes.
Aperçus
9 Actions You Can Start Now to Protect Critical Infrastructure
Décembre 13, 2022
Steps to improve physical security at substations, chemical plants, pipelines, data centers, hospitals and other critical infrastructure
Aperçus
Preparing Your RMP Facility for a Future of Extreme Weather
novembre 29, 2022
Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.
Aperçus
TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines – Navigating Change to Protect Critical Assets
mai 27, 2022
Protecting against new threats and staying on top of constantly changing security guidance requires agility.
Aperçus
How to Succeed with Outsourced Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Support
février 1, 2022
Many organizations struggle to keep up with today’s EHS requirements. EHS support services can go a long way toward staying in compliance. Learn more.
Mises à jour réglementaires
PHMSA Issues Gas Gathering Final Rule Summary & Requirements
novembre 30, 2021
PHMSA announced that they issued a final rule that significantly expands Federal pipeline safety oversight to all onshore gas gathering pipelines.
Aperçus
The Price of Natural Gas: Onward and Upward or Just a Temporary Blip?
novembre 12, 2021
Most industry experts agree that weather aside, the global energy and gas markets are likely to remain uncertain with supply and market demand becoming tighter and more challenging to forecast.
Mises à jour réglementaires
2021 EPA TRI Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Processing Facilities
juillet 12, 2021
Indication EPA finalizing a rule to add natural gas extraction or processing plants to EPCRA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.
Mises à jour réglementaires
PHMSA Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020
juin 11, 2021
PHMSA announced it has submitted an advisory bulletin underscoring to pipeline and pipeline facility operators requirements to minimize methane emissions.
Mises à jour réglementaires
DHS Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Critical Pipeline Owners and Operators
juin 3, 2021
The Security Directive will require critical pipeline owners and operators to report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents.
Vidéos
World Pipelines Integrity 2021 Keynote Presentation
mai 25, 2021
Watch TRC’s Mike LaMont deliver the keynote presentation “Uncomfortable Yet?” at the World Pipelines Integrity 2021 conference.
Aperçus
The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington
mars 1, 2021
The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.
Mises à jour réglementaires
TCEQ to Assume Oil and Gas Wastewater Permitting from RRC
janvier 11, 2021
Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Vidéos
INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell
juin 22, 2020
TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC Calls for New Approach to Reliability Planning Due to Gas Supply Disruption Risks
Décembre 14, 2017
A recently published NERC report concludes that as reliance on natural gas to meet electric generation requirements increases, additional planning and operational measures must be considered to mitigate power system reliability risks.