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Questions or Comments: oce@tceq.texas.gov

Spill Cleanups: Who Is Responsible?

Who is responsible for cleanup of a spill (such as a chemical release) and when the TCEQ may take over.

The person responsible for cleaning up a spill is:

  • owner or operator of a facility from which a spill emanates;
  • owner, operator, or demise charterer of a vessel from which a spill emanates; or
  • any other person who causes, suffers, allows, or permits a spill or discharge

TCEQ's on-scene coordinator may determine that the responsible person is unable or unwilling to respond. In those cases, TCEQ may take over the response action, using state funds as authorized. Texas Water Code 26.266

In addition, TCEQ may pursue administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.