A 2.0 MGD 210E reuse authorization in 4 weeks, about 23 months faster than a discharge permit.
2.0 MGD wastewater reuse authorization for a mixed-use development
Project
1.0 MGD zero-discharge reuse for a mixed-use development
A TCEQ 210E authorization in 10 weeks let a 1.0 MGD mixed-use development in San Marcos bypass a discharge permit and its hearings.
A similar system on another MES project
About the project
The problem
A large mixed-use development in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas, combines industrial uses with commercial facilities and supporting systems. Its wastewater facility has a design flow of 1.0 MGD.
A discharge permit at that size would have faced significant opposition from environmental groups concerned about the San Marcos River and the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. In this region, public hearing processes routinely stretch those timelines to 30 months or more.
The pathway
MES pursued the TCEQ 210E authorization instead, with a zero-discharge reclaimed water system. All of the reuse stays on site, so there is no surface water discharge.
The waste streams include domestic wastewater, cooling systems, equipment cleaning, humidification, truck washout and stormwater runoff.
The reclaimed water has two uses. It irrigates the campus landscaping and common areas, and it supplies fire protection for the industrial and commercial buildings.
MES studied the site and the TCEQ requirements, brought the topography into the design files, and prepared the plans, report and exhibit. The application went out in July 2025.
The result
TCEQ approved the 210E authorization in 10 weeks, even with the more detailed review a 1.0 MGD system needs. For a new discharge permit, TCEQ’s own guidance is to file at least 330 days before discharge begins.
The project’s industrial component provided clear justification. The large irrigation capacity removed any surface water discharge concern.
- Design flow
- 1.0 MGD
- Authorization
- TCEQ 210E
- Time to permit
- 10 weeks
- Discharge permit path
- TCEQ asks applicants to file at least 330 days before discharge begins
- Reuse
- Irrigation and fire protection, zero discharge
More projects
Other work like this
A TCEQ 210E reuse authorization, approved within 6 weeks of submission, let an industrial site in Taylor, Texas, start operations on schedule after the county denied septic.
Industrial zero-discharge reuse in Taylor, TX, approved within 6 weeks of submission
A TCEQ 210E reuse authorization in 4 weeks kept a Taylor, Texas, business park on schedule after the county denied septic.
Business park reuse after a county septic denial in Taylor, TX
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