Get Help from the TCEQ

The Small Business and Local Government Assistance program provides a comprehensive website with guidance on rules regarding air, water, and waste. The website offers industry specific tools, such as information on drought contingency planning, calculation tools, and important dates to remember.

SBLGA also offers free, one-on-one, confidential guidance. Compliance assistance specialists in all regions of the state are ready to speak or meet with you.

See the regional office listings to find your local contact or call the toll-free hotline at 800-447-2827.

The Advocate

The Advocate is a free quarterly publication that describes changes in environmental rules, compliance dates, and links to more information. You can subscribe to either print or electronic version by calling 800-447-2827.

Site Visit Program

Through a contracted environmental consultant, the TCEQ offers free, confidential, on-site, compliance assessments of:

• Individually owned and operated small businesses
• Facilities owned and operated by local governments
• Independent school districts

Those who demonstrate 100 percent compliance with the program requirements may receive a Compliance Commitment (C2) certificate and can earn up to a two-year exemption from routine investigations from the TCEQ, the EPA, and participating local entities.

EnviroMentor Program

The TCEQ organizes a group of volunteers, including consultants, engineers, and attorneys, who offer free and confidential services to small businesses, small local governments, and ISDs that are experiencing financial hardship. Visit the EnviroMentor website to see if you qualify for assistance or if you would like to volunteer.

For more information about any of these programs, visit the website or call the free hotline at 800-447-2827.

World Oceans Day

Since 2002, people in communities all over the world come together on June 8 to recognize the importance of the ocean that connects us all. 72% of the earth is covered by ocean.

The event has grown to now include educational events and beach clean-ups in over twenty countries. Last year’s highlights include:

Over 200 people in the Philippines picked-up over 1,000 pounds of trash off beaches and reef sites during a coastal clean-up.

Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC hosted over 6,000 attendees with kid-focused activities on water conservation, litter pickup, and sustainable seafood.

Texas events this year include celebrations at San Antonio Zoo, UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas State Aquarium, Houston Aquarium, and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park Dallas.

Saving energy not only helps protect the ocean, it protects your wallet too.

Did you know?

• A programmable thermostat can save up to $180 a year.
• You can save money by unplugging phone chargers and appliances. Electrical devices use some power even when turned off.
• Using a slow cooker or outdoor grill can also save you money. Your stove and oven heat up the house and cause your A/C to work harder.
• Lighting accounts for approximately 12% of a household’s annual electricity bill. Flip the switch!

Visit TakeCareOfTexas.org for more tips on how to save money this summer.

BRAND NEW BILL STUFFER Texas Is Still in Drought, dual-sided in English and Spanish, is TCOT’s latest brochure encouraging Texans to conserve water and take the pledge. Order free copies to include in your mailings.

What's In Your Drinking Water?

Look for consumer confidence reports this month in both mailbox and inbox. See TCEQ article for more information.

Take Care of Texas had its own booth at the TCEQ’s Environmental Trade Fair last month.

Visitors were able to pick-up free publications including home and office tips, water conservation guidance, and kid’s activity books. Anyone can order these free publications online to share with co-workers, neighbors, and students.

Booth staff also provided one-on-one assistance and encouraged visitors to get involved. We had over 500 people Take the Pledge to conserve water and energy and reduce waste. 

Make sure to visit the Take Care of Texas booth at these upcoming events:

Texas 4-H Roundup, June 10-12 in College Station

Association of Water Board Directors Conference, June 12-15 in Fort Worth

Keep Texas Beautiful Conference, June 23-25 in Austin

Free Widgets!

 The TCOT program now offers free widgets that you can add to your own website. Add the Tip of the Week widget or the TCOT banner to share ways you can conserve water and energy, keep our air and water clean, and save money, too.

Visit TakeCareOfTexas.org for more free widgets and banners.

Hike. Swim. Draw. Write.

The “Get to Know” Texas State Parks Youth Arts Contest encourages kids 19 and under to get outside and create. Photography, writing, painting – whatever your passion – let nature inspire you. Submit your piece by November 1, 2014 for your chance to win a prize.

Erin Werner, age 12, from TX.

TCEQ events:

Dam Safety Workshop, June 26 in Granbury

Dam Safety Workshop, July 17 in Conroe

Water Quality and Stormwater Seminar, September 16-17 in Austin

Advanced Air Permitting and Oil & Gas Facilities Workshop, October 15-16 in Austin

For more information, and to register for these events, see the TCEQ calendar.

Free Fishing

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers free fishing. Don’t know how? You and your family can attend a free Learn-to-Fish event at a state park near you.