The bill, S.B. No. 1586, proposes amendments to the Water Code regarding the issuance of permits for certain wastewater treatment facilities, specifically focusing on "package plants." A package plant is defined as a pre-manufactured wastewater treatment facility with a capacity of less than 500,000 gallons per day, which includes various types of treatment systems. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is prohibited from issuing permits for package plants located within 1,000 feet of a municipal wastewater line. Additionally, the bill stipulates that permits can only be granted if the applicant demonstrates measures for security and weatherization of the plant, as well as adequate financial assurance for future maintenance.

The new section added to the Water Code, Section 26.054, outlines these conditions and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that package plants are not only compliant with proximity regulations but also equipped for long-term operational sustainability. The provisions of this bill will apply to permit applications submitted to the TCEQ on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()