Texas Publishes Guide to Public Participation in Permitting Brochure
In an effort to provide additional public assistance with its environmental permitting procedures, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced on Oct. 5 the publication of its Guide to Public Participation in Permitting brochure.
"This pamphlet is a handy, easy to use resource for anyone who wants to know how permitting is accomplished at the TCEQ, and how to participate," said Chairman Kathleen Hartnett White.
The free guide, which is being made available in both hard copy and .pdf download format, and in both English and Spanish, reviews how the public can take part in the permitting process regarding water quality, waste, and air applications. Sections include the administrative and technical review, how to submit comments, receive public notices, request a public meeting, and file a contested case hearing, under Texas law.
"To anyone who is not familiar with environmental permitting, it all might appear pretty confusing," said Commissioner Larry R. Soward. "This guide takes the guesswork out of the process."
"It is important for the public to be involved in the permitting process," said Commissioner Martin A. Hubert. "By publishing this brochure, we hope to make that participation much easier."
The Public Participation in Permitting brochure is available online, at the TCEQ publications Web site, as well as through the TCEQ Office of Public Assistance, 1-800-687-4040.
This article originally appeared in the 10/01/2006 issue of Environmental Protection.