From the moment an investigator arrives to responding to a Notice of Violation (NOV), we break down the entire process into a clear, actionable roadmap to minimize risk.

How you handle the initial moments of an inspection is crucial. Professionalism and control are paramount. Your front-office staff should be trained to immediately contact the facility’s designated environmental point person. The TCEQ investigator should be politely greeted and escorted to a conference room or office—never allow an investigator to wander through your facility unescorted. This simple step prevents casual observations from turning into official findings.

Once you meet them, your first actions are critical: Politely ask for credentials, confirm their specific TCEQ division (e.g., Air Quality, Water Quality), and understand the purpose of their visit. Taking a photo of their ID and business card is a standard and reasonable practice for your records. The investigator will then want to hold a brief opening conference. This is your opportunity to establish boundaries, discuss the inspection’s scope, review safety protocols, and designate your team: one qualified employee as the investigator’s official escort and another as a “scribe” to take notes and photos.

Your designated escort must accompany the investigator at all times, while the scribe’s only job is to shadow the group and document everything. This creates a parallel record of the inspection, which can be invaluable later. Following a clear set of dos and don’ts is critical to protecting your interests.

What happens after the investigator leaves is just as important as the visit itself. This is where potential violations are formalized and your response strategy becomes critical.