| (a) The annual water quality fee assessment is for the period from September 1 through August 31, and is based on the authorized permit or water right limits as of September 1 each year, as stated in §21.3(a) of this title (relating to Fee Assessment). (b) New or amended wastewater permits and water rights granted after September 1 will be billed for the new or amended authorization in the annual assessment for the fee year subsequent to the fee year in which the new authorization was granted. (c) Cancellation or revocation, whether by voluntary action on the part of the holder of a wastewater permit or a water right, or as a result of proceedings initiated by the commission, will not constitute grounds for a change in the amount of a water quality fee previously assessed, or for a refund of fees previously paid. (d) Transfer of ownership of a wastewater permit or a water right will not constitute grounds for a change in the amount of a water quality fee previously assessed, or for a refund of fees previously paid. The commission shall not process a transfer request until all annual fees owed the commission by the applicant, or for the permitted facility, are paid in full. Any wastewater permit holder or water right holder to whom a permit is transferred shall be liable for payment of any associated outstanding fees and penalties owed the commission. (e) Annual water quality fees are payable within 30 days of the billing date each year. Fees shall be paid by check, certified check, electronic funds transfer, or money order payable to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (to be effective September 1, 2002). (f) Water quality fees are payable regardless of whether the permitted wastewater facility actually is constructed or in operation, or whether any authorized water right facility has been constructed or diversion of state water made. (g) Owners or operators of a facility failing to make payment of the fees imposed under this chapter when due shall be assessed penalties and interest in accordance with Chapter 12 of this title (relating to Payment of Fees). In addition, failure to make payment in accordance with this chapter constitutes a violation subject to enforcement pursuant to the provisions of Texas Water Code, §26.123. |
