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Harris County Pollution Control Services Department. Enforcement of Bacteria Requirements in Wastewater. PCS Wastewater Sampling Program. Each wastewater treatment facility is sampled several times a year based on the Pollution Control Services (PCS) compliance history of the permittee.
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Harris County Pollution Control Services Department Enforcement of Bacteria Requirements in Wastewater.
PCS Wastewater Sampling Program • 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 • 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 • 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 • Main phone number is 713-920-2831 • Fax: 713-274-6375 • Compliance Manager, Jennifer Wheeler jennifer.wheeler@pcs.hctx.net • Compliance Coordinator- Water, Denise Hall denise.hall@pcs.hctx.net • Our new address: Harris County Pollution Control Services Dept. 101 South Richey, Suite H Pasadena, Texas 77506