Sec. 26.037.  APPROVAL OF PLANS.  (a)  The executive director may approve water quality management plans and revisions after a public participation opportunity has been provided that at a minimum meets federal public participation requirements.  Approval of water quality management plans shall be consistent with applicable state and federal requirements.  The commission may adopt rules governing approval of water quality management plans.  The commission shall provide an opportunity for an interested person to seek commission review of the executive director's decision regarding a water quality management plan approval or revision.
(b)  When a water quality management plan has been approved as provided in this section, the plan may be furnished to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency or any other federal official or agency in fulfillment of any federal water quality management planning requirement specified for any purpose by the federal government.
(c)  The board and the commission may use an approved water quality management plan or a plan in progress but not completed or approved in reviewing and making determinations on applications for permits and on applications for financial assistance for construction of treatment works.
Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977;  Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 1.083, eff. Sept. 1, 1985;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 194, Sec. 2, eff. May 24, 1999.