Transcript Harris County Pollution Control Department

Harris County Pollution Control
Services Department
Enforcement of Bacteria
Requirements in Wastewater.
PCS Wastewater Sampling
Program
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Each wastewater treatment facility is sampled
several times a year based on the Pollution
Control Services (PCS) compliance history of
the permittee.
All our of sampling events are unannounced.
The results of the sampling events are
compared to the TCEQ permit parameters and
violation notices are issued when sample
results exceed permit parameters.
A written reply to every violation notice is
requested.
PCS Wastewater Sampling
Program Enforcement
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An enforcement review is conducted on each
violation notice taking into account any reply
received.
Enforcement is considered, in general, where the
violation is:
1) Severe (offsite impact(s) documented); and/or
results 20% out of compliance with the
applicable TCEQ permitted effluent limit;
2) Repeat offenders where there are 20% or
greater samples out of compliance in a 12
month period.
PCS Bacteria Violation
Enforcement
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For violations of TCEQ bacteria permit parameters
only, at wastewater treatment facilities:
– The first violation notice will include information regarding bacteria
reduction strategies.
– The second violation notice will request an Action Plan and a timeline
to address bacteria reduction and will trigger an enforcement meeting
with permittee, their operator and/or Professional Engineer (P.E.) at
PCS.
– The third violation will request an Alternative Action Plan with timeline
presented to PCS by a P.E. retained by permittee.
– If violations continue options are cease discharging, regionalization, or
additional equipment and/or systems such as a bacteria monitoring
program, a SCADA system and/or grease trap program.
– If options are not met as agreed to or if violations continue the
violations may be forwarded to the County Attorney or District
Attorney for an enforcement action.
Contact Information
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Main phone number is 713-920-2831
Fax: 713-274-6375
Compliance Manager, Jennifer Wheeler
[email protected]
Compliance Coordinator- Water, Denise Hall
[email protected]
Our new address:
Harris County Pollution Control Services Dept.
101 South Richey, Suite H
Pasadena, Texas 77506