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Spills: Reportable Quantities

The RQ depends on the substance released and where released. Use this table to determine whether you must report and under what rule.

In Texas, upon determining that a reportable discharge or spill has occurred, the responsible person must notify the state. The threshold quantity that triggers the requirement to report a spill is called the reportable quantity (RQ). The reportable quantity depends on the type of substance released and where released (e.g. into water vs. on land); different kinds of spills are subject to different provisions of state and federal rules.

Kind of spill

Where discharged

Reportable quantity

Rule, statute, or responsible agency

Hazardous substance

onto land

“Final RQ” in Table 302.4 in 40 CFR 302.4 (PDF)

30 TAC 327

into water

“Final RQ” or 100 lbs, whichever is less

Any oil

coastal waters

as required by the Texas General Land Office

Texas General Land Office

Crude oil, oil that is neither a petroleum product nor used oil

onto land

210 gallons (five barrels)

30 TAC 327

directly into water

enough to create a sheen

Petroleum product, used oil

onto land, from an exempt PST facility

210 gallons (five barrels)

30 TAC 327

onto land, or onto land from a non-exempt PST facility

25 gallons

directly into water

enough to create a sheen

Associated with the exploration, development and production of oil, gas, or geothermal resources

under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas

as required by the Railroad Commission of Texas

Railroad Commission of Texas

Industrial solid waste or other substances

into water

100 lbs

30 TAC 327

From petroleum storage tanks, underground or aboveground

into water

enough to create a sheen on water

30 TAC 334 .75-81

From petroleum storage tanks, underground or aboveground

onto land

25 gallons or equal to the RQ under 40 CFR 302

30 TAC 327

Other substances that may be useful or valuable and are not ordinarily considered to be waste, but will cause pollution if discharged into water in the state

into water

100 lbs

30 TAC 327