Surviving a TCEQ
Authorized Agent
Compliance
Review
Darla Branch
OSSF Environmental Investigator
Region 12/ Houston
(713)767-3766
Major Topics
Authority
Purpose
Selection and Frequency
Parts of the review
Results
Response
Help
Authority
The authority to conduct
Compliance Reviews (CR):
Texas Health and Safety Code
§366.034
Title 30 Texas Administrative Code
§285.12
Authority cont.
The TCEQ is charged with the
oversight of the Authorized Agents
(AA) to consistently enforce the
minimum requirements for on-site
sewage disposal systems as adopted
by the commission
Purpose
The purpose of the Authorized Agent
Compliance Review is to evaluate the
way the OSSF rules are being applied
and ultimately the protection of human
health and the environment.
The review also gives the AA an
opportunity to ask questions and
receive guidance on OSSF issues
Selection and
Frequency
Selection and frequency of Authorized Agents for review
is based on several factors:
 Date of last review
 “Action Items” previously noted
 Complaints received by TCEQ
 Manpower
The Review
A letter announcing the CR
Mutually agreeable schedule
Introductory Meeting
Administrative Review
Technical Review
Exit Interview
Compliance Letter
Administrative
Review
Review the local order
Public information
Planning materials
Authorizations to Construct (ATC)
Inspection forms
Notice of Approval (NOA)
Administrative
Review Cont.
Complaints
Variances
Fee tracking & monthly activity
reports (Water Resources
Management Fund)
Enforcement
Subdivision reviews
Technical Review
Site/soil evaluation procedures
Inspection procedures
Equipment
Training
Questions
Reviewer Dos
 Do provide us a quiet place to conduct
our review.
 Do ask questions if you don’t
understand something we’re asking or
doing.
 Do tell us where the restrooms, water
fountains and vending machine are.
Reviewer Don’ts
 Don’t ask “How are we doing so far?”
 Don’t make us conduct our review in the
middle of a public area.
 Don’t be afraid to ask us questions. We
don’t bite!
Results
Exit Interview
Compliance Review Letter
Action Item List
Authorized Agent Response Letter
Response
Authorized Agent Response Letter
Items have been corrected or an
action plan with time lines in
place
Help from TCEQ
Houston Region OSSF Team
Austin Field Ops. Support Division
Houston Region
OSSF Team
Bryan Eastham
OSSF Team Leader
(713)767-3596
Darla Branch
Environmental Investigator
(713)767-3766
Jack Northey
Environmental Investigator
(713)767-3663
OSSF Field Ops
Agustin “Gus” Chavez
Orders/Ordinances
(512) 239-4775
James McCaine
Technical or Rules
(512) 239-4777
Mike Price
Occupational Certification/Licensing/Enforcement
(512) 239-2150