The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality today approved penalties totaling $588,066 against 68 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.

Agreed orders were issued for the following enforcement categories: one agricultural, 16 air quality, three dry cleaner, one Edwards Aquifer, one industrial waste discharge, one licensed irrigator, three municipal solid waste, five municipal waste discharge, 11 petroleum storage tank, eight public water system, and five water quality. There were three field citations. In addition, default orders were issued for the following categories: four licensed irrigators, one multi-media, two petroleum storage tank, one public water system, and one water quality. Penalties were also assessed in a solid waste enforcement action following hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Included in the total were fines against Motiva Enterprises LLC in Jefferson Co. of $177,815 for nine air violations, documented in a routine investigation in March 2007. Of the fine total, a Supplemental Environmental Project of $88,907 will be used to assist low income residents in the West Port Arthur area by weatherizing their homes and improving energy efficiency.

The TCEQ's next agenda meeting is scheduled for July 9. Agenda items from all commission meetings and work session agendas can be viewed on the TCEQ Web site. The meeting is also webcast live for free, and archived meetings are available, at TexasAdMin.com.