The bill, H.B. No. 3252, 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 types such as extended aeration plants, sequencing batch reactors, and oxidation ditches. 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, applicants must demonstrate that they will implement security and weatherization measures for the plant and possess adequate financial assurance for future maintenance.

The new provisions will only apply to permit applications submitted to the TCEQ on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the establishment of package plants, ensuring that they are built with necessary safety and maintenance considerations in mind.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()