Individuals may contact agency staff by calling a toll-free phone number, 1-800-687-4040, to obtain information about agency permits and the permitting process, or to express their concerns about either of these topics. Information on TCEQ public meetings held across the state on individual permit applications may also be obtained by calling this number, or by accessing the Calendar of Public Meetings and Hearings on Permitting Cases.

In addition, Agency Publication GI-233, Public Participation in Environmental Permitting, contains a detailed overview of the entire public participation process.

How to Submit Formal Comments

According to commission rules and policy, comments on a pending permit application or registration must be received in writing, since comments are formal documents, and the authenticity of those documents is better assured when they are not sent electronically. Individuals wishing to submit formal comments must therefore send them to the following address:

Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105
TCEQ
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711

The TCEQ also provides assistance to the public through the Environmental Equity Program and refers specific questions about the legal aspects of dealing with the commission, its hearings, and its rules, to the Office of the Public Interest Counsel.

In addition, permit applicants and persons who request contested hearings can seek assistance from Alternative Dispute Resolution in resolving their differences informally to avoid the time and expense of a full evidentiary hearing.