How to File a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the TCEQ Through the STEERS Program

Filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is a crucial step for businesses and individuals seeking authorization for certain regulated activities, such as stormwater discharges. The process is completed through the TCEQ’s State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file an NOI through the STEERS program.

Step 1: Create a STEERS Account

Before you can file an NOI, you must have an account with STEERS. If you don’t already have one, follow these steps:

1. Visit the STEERS website at https://www3.tceq.texas.gov/steers/

2. Click on “I Need… to create a new account."

3. Provide your personal and business information as required.

4. Check for duplicate accounts that may already be in STEERS. Click “Next” if irrelevant.

5. Set STEERS security questions. Be sure to select easy to remember questions as one of the five will be asked to verify login each time.

6. Once security questions have been completed, click “Save” and you will be automatically moved to the “STEERS Account Summary” screen where you can select a program to add to your account.

7. Select “Stormwater General Permits” from the drop down menu and click “Go”.

   
   

   

   
   

8. Select "Stormwater Sign” for access type.

9. Select “My Employer is the facility or applicant for the permit application”.

10. Select the “I am applying for a signatory role and have the authority to enter into this agreement…” option and click “Add Access”.

11. Your account has been created now and entered into probationary status. To have access to submit a permit application click “E-Sign SPA” in the upper right corner of the screen to finalize the signature agreement.

    1. Please note there is a “Paper SPA” option available. Only choose this if you do not have a Texas-issued Driver’s License. Choosing the paper option will delay the signature agreement process by up to 14 days depending on delivery speed and reviewer timelines.

12. Clicking the “E-Sign SPA” option on the Account Summary screen will take you to the “STEERS Participation Agreement – E-sign Account” screen, where you can review and sign your SPA electronically using information from your Texas Driver’s License (TDL).

13. Provide your DL data into the entry fields at the bottom of the “STEERS Participation Agreement – E-sign Account” screen, under the “Sign Electronically with Your Texas Driver’s License (TDL)” heading as required. Select the checkmark boxes and click “E-Sign SPA” to continue.

14. Exit STEERS session and open the automated “Welcome to STEERS” email, which contains your ER account number and click the link to set your password. 

15. Once your password has been set up, return to the https://www3.tceq.texas.gov/steers/ homepage and login in using your ER number and newly created password to re-enter the STEERS portal and proceed with your NOI application.

    1. Please note each time you login, you will be prompted to answer one of your security questions and to review your previous logins. Answer the security question and click “Yes” to were these logins made by you to continue to the main page.

       
       

Step 2: Complete the NOI Application

After gaining access to the stormwater program, you can begin your NOI application:

1. Log in to STEERS and click the “Stormwater General Permits” link in the middle of the homepage next to “Select e-Permits Program Area”

2. Select “I want to… Fill out a new, notice of change, renewal, delegation or termination application” option.

3. Select under the Construction General Permit heading “Create a Construction Notice of Intent application (CNOI)”.

4. Click “Next” on the following screen.

5. Fill out the required details, including site location, operator information, and discharge details.

6. Certify that your project complies with applicable regulations and best management practices.

   
   

Step 3: Sign, Submit and Pay the Fee

Once the application is complete you will be taken back to the “Activities” home screen:

1. Click on the “Select” checkmark box next to the application and then click “Sign” located in the bottom left corner.

2. Follow the steps through to complete the signature process, submit the application, and pay the required annual fee of $225.

3. Once paid, if the application information was correctly completed, you will receive a Copy of Record for the Notice of Intent and a copy of the Notice of Authorization. You will need to keep a copy of both documents.

   
   

Step 4: Submit Your Approval Documents and Post On Site

After submission:

1. You will receive a Copy of Record for the Notice of Intent and a copy of the Notice of Authorization

2. The Notice of Authorization will need to be sent to the local regulatory agency along with a completed copy of the TCEQ Large Construction Site Notice.

3. Additionally, these two documents will need to be posted on site in view of the public.

4. The Copy of Record for the Notice of Intent will need to be kept with the SWPPP on site or electronically filed to ensure availability should a regulator stop by.

   
   

Conclusion

Filing a Notice of Intent through the TCEQ STEERS system can be frustrating for first-time users or those who do not regularly work in the system. To avoid the hassle of dealing with the TCEQ and STEERS, contact a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control at Eco Permit Pros today! At Eco Permit Pros we take care of the permitting, so you can go back to doing the things that make you money!

Connect with a SWPPP Expert