Bill Caption

Relating to a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain stream segments, stream assessment units, and drainage areas.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 4146 would prohibit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from issuing or amending a permit authorizing the direct discharge of waste or pollutants into waste, effluent, or pollutants into a stream segment, stream assessment unit, or drainage area area of a classified stream segment or an assessment unit within a classified stream segment that, has had, according to commission data, a total phosphorus level below .06 milligrams per liter in 90 percent or more of all water quality samples taken from the stream segment or assessment unit for the 10 calendar years preceding January 1, 2020.

The purpose of this bill is to protect the pristine nature of the Devil's River and associated rivers and tributaries from potential wastewater discharge into those bodies of water. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill addresses a local dispute in which both sides have a legitimate interest and which can be resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties to protect the Devil's River without unnecessarily hampering development of facilities which require upgraded sewage disposal systems. Texas Action remains neutral on HB 4146.