PERMITS AUTHORIZING DISCHARGES FROM CERTAIN SEAWATER DESALINATION FACILITIES

(a) This section applies only to a facility that generates water treatment residuals from the desalination of seawater solely for use as part of an industrial process. (b) The commission may issue a permit for the discharge of water treatment residuals from the desalination of seawater into the portion of the Gulf of Mexico inside the territorial limits of the state. (c) Before issuing a permit under this section, the commission must evaluate the discharge of water treatment residuals from the desalination of seawater into the Gulf of Mexico for compliance with the state water quality standards adopted by the commission, the requirements of the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, and applicable federal law. (d) The commission may issue individual permits or a general permit under this section. If the commission elects to issue individual permits under this section, the commission must establish procedures for the review of an application that, at a minimum, comply with the requirements of Subchapter M, Chapter 5. If the commission elects to issue a general permit under this section, the commission must comply with the requirements of Section 26.040.