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Spills: Rules and Laws

Legislation and regulation covering accidental releases and their prevention.

Reportable Quantities

What is an RQ?

Other Rules and Laws about Spills

Requirement Authority
TCEQ is the lead agency in spill response Texas Water Code 26
Sections 261–64
A spill must be reported as soon as possible and within 24 hours by phone to TCEQ; reporting requirements to property owners and others affected; spill response; required follow-up report 30 TAC 327 .1–5
Interim and permitted facilities must report emergency situations to TCEQ 30 TAC 335.113 335.153
Releases from underground storage tanks must be reported 30 TAC 334.72
Any major upset condition must be reported 30 TAC 327 .1–5
Related requirements Texas Health and Safety Code 382
30 TAC 101.201
Reports required for maintenance activities 30 TAC 101.211
Accidental spills and releases must be reported to TCEQ Texas Water Code 26
Section 039
Related policy Sections 261–67
Posting of warning signs What to Do after a Spill
TCEQ is to seek reimbursement of state funds spent on cleanup from responsible persons Texas Water Code 26
Sections 266–67
Federal definition of reportable spill 40 CFR 302.6
TCEQ receives reports on storage of chemicals (Tier Two forms) 40 CFR 370
Definition of industrial solid waste 30 TAC 335.1
Related policy (definition of hazardous waste) 40 CFR 261
Self-assigned eight-digit waste code: when needed, how to assign 30 TAC 335. 501–15, 521
Regulation of soil-treatment and recycling facilities 30 TAC 334. 485–508
Health-based cleanup standards; guidance on recording of deeds 30 TAC 350
Need for contingency planning (only for permitted and interim facilities for storing, treating, and disposing of hazardous waste) 30 TAC 335.112, 152
Texas Risk Reduction Program rule 30 TAC 350
Makeup of the State Emergency Response Commission Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act

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