Relating to the regulation of certain aggregate production operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; providing penalties.
The proposed legislation will amend the Natural Resources Code by adding Chapter 135, which outlines the definition of aggregates, the requirements for registration, the necessity for inspections, and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance. With annual registration requirements and inspections every three years, the legislation aims to prevent unregulated operations, thereby enhancing accountability among operators of aggregate production sites. Registration fees will support the maintenance of this regulatory framework and could potentially reach up to $1,000 per year.
House Bill 4280 introduces regulations governing aggregate production operations within Texas. The bill stipulates that aggregate production operations, which encompass a variety of construction materials such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel, must be registered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) before beginning extraction activities. This proactive registration process is aimed at enhancing oversight and ensuring that operations comply with environmental standards, thus safeguarding public health and the environment.
There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these regulations, especially among aggregate producers. Operators may express concerns about the financial burden of registration fees and compliance costs, alongside potentially increased operational complexity due to required inspections. Conversely, proponents argue that these measures are crucial for protecting communities and natural resources from the negative impacts of unregulated extraction activities. The law emphasizes accountability and sets clear penalties for non-compliance, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 annually for unregistered operations.