2011S0632-1 03/08/11

By: Duncan S.B. No. 1715

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to regulation of the management and disposal of certain drinking water treatment residuals through underground injection.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 401.412, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subsections (g) and (h) to read as follows:

(g) The commission by rule shall provide for the expedited processing of applications for and the issuance of licenses required by this chapter for the management of residuals derived from the treatment of groundwater for drinking water purposes.

(h) In exercising its authority under Subsection (g), the commission shall, where applicable, reciprocate recognition of similar licensing authorized to an applicant by other agencies of this state in an effort to create administrative efficiencies, avoid regulatory redundancies, and otherwise streamline the administrative requirements for obtaining any additional licensing that may be required under this chapter.

SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 27, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 27.026 to read as follows:

Sec. 27.026. USE OF BEDDED SALT FORMATIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN DRINKING WATER TREATMENT RESIDUALS. (a) The commission by rule shall provide for the expedited processing of applications for and issuance of permits required under this chapter for the disposal into a bedded salt formation of residuals derived from the treatment of groundwater for drinking water purposes.

(b) In exercising its authority under Subsection (a), the commission shall work to create administrative efficiencies, avoid regulatory redundancies, where applicable, and otherwise streamline the administrative requirements for obtaining permits required by this chapter.

SECTION 3. Section 27.073, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(e) Persons to whom an injection well permit is issued under Section 27.026 for a well that is also permitted for injection disposal by the railroad commission may demonstrate financial responsibility to the commission upon demonstration that compatible financial security has already been issued in satisfaction of the railroad commission requirements adopted under this section.

SECTION 4. As soon as possible after the effective date of this Act, the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Railroad Commission of Texas shall undertake all efforts necessary to efficiently implement this Act while providing for the preservation of groundwater quality and otherwise ensuring all necessary protections of the public health and safety.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.