88R10183 MP-D
By: Vasut H.B. No. 3604
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for
cultivated oyster mariculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 26, Water Code, is amended
by adding Section 26.0406 to read as follows:
Sec. 26.0406. GENERAL PERMITS FOR AQUACULTURE; EXEMPTION
FOR CLEANING STRUCTURES USED FOR GROWING OYSTERS. (a) A general
permit for aquaculture issued by the commission must allow the
holder of a cultivated oyster mariculture permit under Chapter 75,
Parks and Wildlife Code, to discharge into waters of this state
waste related to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters
for cultivated oyster mariculture in accordance with Subsection
(b).
(b) A cultivated oyster mariculture permit holder cleaning
a structure as described by Subsection (a):
(1) must clean the structure at the location where the
permit holder is authorized to operate and only with water from that
location;
(2) prior to use in cleaning, may not alter the
cleaning water in any way, including with the addition of soap,
chemicals, or any other similar substance;
(3) may not pressurize the water used to clean the
structure; and
(4) in consultation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department, must comply with all other permit conditions
established by the commission.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.