On July 26, 2000, the three-member commission of the TNRCC (now TCEQ) adopted proposed amendments to the states existing 1997 surface water quality standards, as codified by rule in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307. For the 2000 standards to be used for federal permitting programs, the EPA must approve them. Since the EPA has yet to take action on the entire 2000 standards, both the 1997 and 2000 standards are being used in federal permitting programs, such as the TPDES program. The 1997 standards remain in effect for those portions of the 2000 standards not acted on by EPA. For non-federal programs, the 2000 standards are in effect unless specifically disapproved by EPA. (Help with PDF Files.)

• Portions of the standards on which EPA has acted and the action date. EPA Timeline of Approval of Standards (PDF)

• Portions of the 2000 Standards still Under Review by EPA (PDF).

The 2000 standards and associated documents are available below. For a hard copy contact TCEQ publications at 512/239-0028.

• Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 30, Chapter 307. (website)

• Executive Summary of Rule Amendment Proposal (PDF), Texas Surface Water Quality Standards (PDF)

• Final Preamble to Chapter 307 Proposed Rule Amendment (PDF) - The preamble describes the Water Quality Standards rule amendment which the commision adopted, provides other information required under state law, and includes a detailed response to all public comments.

• Final Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, Chapter 307 Rule Amendment (PDF) (adopted July 26, 2000) - The final rule is being reviewed by the EPA in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

How the standards are applied in permitting is documented in the Procedures to Implement the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards RG-194.