Texas Senate Bill SB2394

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills.

Impact

The legislation is likely to have both positive and negative repercussions on state environmental policies. On one hand, the enhanced reporting requirements aim to ensure prompt responses to accidental discharges, potentially mitigating environmental damage and safeguarding public health. Conversely, the exemptions provided may lead to confusion regarding when exactly a facility is obliged to report a discharge, possibly allowing for unreported low-level spills. As a result, this could affect how local governments manage and enforce environmental safety regulations.

Summary

SB2394 addresses the reporting requirements for accidental discharges or spills of pollutants from facilities. The bill amends Sections 26.039(b) and (g) of the Texas Water Code, streamlining the notification process for operators when such incidents occur. Specifically, it mandates that operators notify the commission and the county judge of any discharge or spill that has the potential to cause pollution within 24 hours of occurrence, detailing information like the location, volume, and content of the discharge. However, there are exemptions for spills of less than 1,000 gallons of treated or untreated domestic wastewater if they meet certain safe conditions.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB2394 is the balance between regulatory oversight and local control. Operators of wastewater treatment facilities may support the bill for its provisions easing reporting burdens for minor incidents, while environmental advocacy groups may argue that the exemptions could result in untracked environmental hazards, undermining efforts to protect drinking water sources and ecosystems. Legislators are deeply divided on whether the benefits of easing certain reporting requirements truly outweigh the risks associated with potential unreported spills.