The bill, S.B. No. 1757, amends the Health and Safety Code to establish new regulations for the operation of rock crushing facilities in Texas. It introduces a standard permit specifically for rock crushing facilities that are part of an aggregate production operation, which must be registered under Section 28A.051 of the Water Code. The facilities must process no more than 1,500 tons of rock per hour and comply with various monitoring and management requirements, including water quality monitoring, dust control, and a post-extraction land use plan. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission develop criteria for de minimis levels of air contaminants, allowing certain permits to be waived for facilities that fall below these thresholds.

The bill also outlines the notice and hearing requirements for applicants seeking to construct or modify rock crushing facilities under the new standard permit. It requires public notification and a hearing process to address community concerns, ensuring transparency and public involvement in the permitting process. Furthermore, a citizen advisory committee will be established for each application to facilitate communication between the commission, the applicant, and local communities. The bill aims to enhance environmental protections while streamlining the permitting process for rock crushing operations, with an effective date set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 382.05101, Health and Safety Code 382.0511 (Health and Safety Code 382)