Texas House Bill HB2659

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to reporting requirements for certain accidental discharges or spills.

Impact

One of the significant modifications introduced by HB2659 is the exemption from reporting requirements for certain small spills of treated or untreated domestic wastewater. Specifically, spills that occur at local government facilities and are under 1,000 gallons will not need to be reported if they are controlled effectively and do not pose a risk to water quality or human health. This provision seeks to ease the regulatory burden on local governments while balancing environmental protection with operational efficiency.

Summary

House Bill 2659 seeks to amend the reporting requirements related to accidental discharges or spills from facilities, specifically addressing the notification process for various entities when such incidents occur. The bill stipulates that any person in charge of a facility is required to notify the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the county judge about any accidental discharge or spill that can cause pollution. This notification must occur as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the incident, detailing the location, volume, and content of the discharge or spill.

Contention

The bill has potential points of contention, primarily revolving around the balance between local control and state oversight. Supporters may argue that the amendment is necessary to prevent unnecessary reporting of minor incidents that have been adequately managed, thereby allowing local authorities to focus on more pressing environmental concerns. However, critics might see this as a dilution of accountability that could lead to underreporting of pollution incidents, ultimately affecting public health and environmental safety. The impact of this legislation could lead to a reevaluation of local government capabilities in managing water quality and environmental risks.

Additional_notes

The bill is proposed to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote, otherwise it will be effective starting from September 1, 2021. This timeline underscores the urgency that some proponents feel in addressing the efficiency of pollution reporting.