Instructions for using STEERS and ePermits for the Tier II Chemical Reporting Program:

How do I get my TXT2, RN or CN number online?

Background Information:

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality stores core data on it customers and regulated sites (entities) that is utilized across programs within the agency. The TCEQ Central Registry is the centralized location where information is stored. Customer Reference Numbers (CN) and Regulated Entity Reference Numbers (RN) are used to identify customers and regulated locations in Central Registry.

Customer Reference Number (CN)

The Central Registry issues each customera unique 11-digit identification number called a Customer Reference Numbers (CNs, e.g. CN123456789). Each Customer should have only one CN based upon their name and Secretary of State (SOS) /Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA)information as applicable.

Regulated Entity Reference Number (RN)

Each Regulated Entity (RE) or site location is issued a unique 11-digit identification number called a Regulated Entity Reference Number (RN, e.g. RN123456789). Each Regulated Entity should have only one RN number unless their activity is in a program with a stand-alone designation.

You can use the Central Registry webpage online to search for your CN and RN:

TXT2 Number – the Program Area ID for the Tier II

In addition to the CN and RN numbers, the Tier II Program also has a unique identification number assigned at the Customer level that is called the TXT2 Number.

I need a CN, RN and/or TXT2 number

STEERS is the State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System. The Tier II Core Data application is in the ePermittingapplication. To get your TXT2, RN or CN numbers online you will use the Tier II Core Data application in STEERS. STEERS allow you to submit applications, registrations, and reports online.

How to Access the Online Tier II Core Data Application:

You will be able to access the Tier II Core Data application in ePermits after obtaining a STEERS account and signing the STEERS Participation Agreement (SPA).

Before you start it is helpful to have the following information:

  • It may be useful to look through the STEERS Help Menu:
  • CN and RN if applicable. You can search Central Registry for these numbers:
  • TXT2 Number, if already assigned. If you are unsure if you have a TXT2 number contact the TCEQ at 512-239-5060 or email us at .
  • The address and location information for the site and the owner/operator
  • Contact information for the owner/operator/ or authorizing authority
  • SOS Filing number if the owner/operator is a corporation or partnership
  • Texas Drivers License Number, if applicable. You will need this to sign the SPA, which you must complete before you can access the Tier II Data application.

Creating a STEERS Account

You can use ePermits to access the Tier II Core Data application. You must have a STEERS Electronic Reporting (ER) account number and password to use ePermits. If you do not have a STEERS account follow the steps below. If you have an account you can skip to the next section, “STEERS Access and signing the STEERS Participation Agreement in ePermits”.

  1. Access STEERS at using your web browser.
  2. Click on I need “to create a new account”.
  3. Read through the welcome information screen. Click on “Create New Account” to start creating the new account or “Exit Application” to cancel.
  4. Enter your information. All fields with a red asterisk are required. You must provide the first and last name, company, title, phone number, email address, and a mailing address. Press “Next” to continue or “Exit Application” to cancel.
  5. If there are errors in the information you will see error messages on the form. If there are no errors you will see a review page. Verify that the information is correct. Press “Previous” to change the information, “Next” to continue if it is correct, or “Exit Application” to cancel.
  6. STEERS will check that the account information entered does not match an existing or archived account. Duplicates checks are done for the email address and last name.
  7. If the email address and last name are already being used by another account, you must contact STEERS for assistance at 512-239-6925 or .
  8. If duplicates were found for the last name and an account already exists for the applicant, the account holder should log in to STEERS to update the account. If the account holder has forgotten the account password and the email address for the account holder has changed, contact STEERS for assistance at 512-239-6925 or .
  9. If duplicates were found for the last name and none of the accounts were held by the applicant, press “Next” to create the new account or “Exit Application” to cancel.
  10. The new probationary account will be created. An account number beginning with “ER” and verification link will be sent to the applicant's email address. Select the verification link to log in to your account. Save the STEERS account number because you need it to log in to STEERS.
  11. Select and answer 5 security questions for the account. You will be asked one of these questions every time you log into STEERS.
  12. The account will be in probationary status until you sign the STEERS Participation Agreement (SPA). This is done when you add a program area, such as Tier II Core Data, which is described in the next section.

STEERS Access and signing the STEERS Participation Agreement in ePermits

You must fill out and submit a STEERS Participation Agreement (SPA) before you can access the Tier II Core Data application.

  1. Access STEERS at and enter your ER Account number and password. If you do not have a STEERS ER account number see the previous section, “Creating a STEERS Account”.
  2. Notice: Use of another person's ER account number and password is illegal. TCEQ monitors use of ER accounts.
  3. Navigate to “My Account”.
  4. Under “STEERS Access” select “Tier II Core Data” from the dropdown box that says “Select Program to add or modify” and select “Go”.
  5. Select the Access Type. If you will be signing the application be sure to select “Tier II ePermits Sign”. If you are preparing it for someone else and they will be signing the application, select one of the other options that fits best: Read Only, Edit, or Preparer.
  6. Select the appropriate relationship to the facility: Facility, Parent Company, or Other.
  7. Select the appropriate authorization:
  8. If you chose a “Read Only”, “Edit”, or “Preparer” access type, select the first statement to describe the authorization. You will not be able to sign and submit the application.
  9. If you chose the “Sign” access type you must have the authority to report for the site according to the program signature standards or someone with that authority must be authorizing the access.
  10. Choose “applying for a sign and submit role and have the authority to enter into this Agreement for the Company under the applicable standards referred to in 40 CFR 370.42(a)”

OR

  1. “applying for a sign and submit role and am authorized by the person below who does have the authority to enter into this Agreement for the Company under the applicable standards referred to in 40 CFR 370.42(a)”. Provide the name, title, and company of the person who is authorizing access. Signatures from both you and the authorizer will be required before the application can be submitted.
  1. Next you need to fill out the SPA. You can choose to fill out a paper SPA or to E-sign it. The STEERS menu should have links to both options.

The paper SPA will take longer to approve and your account will be locked until the TCEQ receives and processes the SPA.

If you are applying for a sign and submit role and are authorized by someone who has the authority to enter into this Agreement for the Company, signatures from both you and the authorizer will be required on the SPA. If the authorizer has a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License, they can e-Sign electronically by clicking on “I need…to authorize another user’s account” on the STEERS Login screen. Otherwise, a paper SPA must be submitted.

  1. Click “Generate Your SPA”, print it using your browser’s print button, sign it, and mail it to STEERS using the mailing address included on the SPA.

OR

  1. If the account owner has a valid Class "C" Texas Drivers License (TDL), the SPA may be signed electronically. If you do not have a Texas Drivers license you must submit a paper SPA.
  1. You will need to enter your TDL number and TDL Audit Number. The TDL Audit number is the number labeled “DD” at the bottom of the driver’s license.
  2. If the account owner's TDL has been renewed or changed in the past 6 weeks, the TDL record may be locked and unavailable for electronic verification. In this case, you must submit a paper SPA.
  1. Once the signature is verified either electronically or by mail, the “Account Status” should be “Active-unlocked” on the STEERS “Account Summary” page. You can now begin your Tier II Core Data application.

Sign in and choose activity

  1. Sign in to your STEERS account. If you do not have a STEERS account, see instructions for setting up a STEERS account.
  2. Select the ePermits Program Area: “Tier II Core Data (EPR_TIERII)” to go to Activities.
  3. Determine your activity. The three options are to a) “Fill Out” a new, renewal, revision, or termination application; b) “Access” and application by password; or c) choose one or more pending applications below.
  4. “Fill Out” a new, renewal, revision, or termination application creates a new activity.
  5. To “Fill Out” an application click the “Fill Out” button under Tier II Core Data.
  6. Select the “Create a Tier II Core Data Application”, and click the “Next” button.
  7. You have created an application. The unique Application Reference Number and Application Password are included below. You may want to make note of these numbers. Information is also provided on how to change the password and allow others to access the application. Click the “Next” button on the bottom left to go to the Site Information (Regulated Entity) Page.
  8. Use “Access an application by password” if someone has shared access to an application with you. They will need to give you the “Reference Number” and “Password”.
  9. To access an application click the “Access” button.
  10. Type in the Reference Number and Password and select the appropriate button below (e.g. edit, sign, submit, etc.).
  11. To choose a pending activity has been started but not completed, select the activity listed and access it by clicking the “edit” button.

Site Information (Regulated Entity)

This is for information on the site location where the regulated activity is occurring. Each Regulated Entity (RE) or site location is issued a unique 11-digit identification number called a Regulated Entity Number (RN, e.g. RN123456789).

  1. Choose between Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3 to find a previously assigned RN or to create a new RN.
  2. Option I is used when you know the Regulated Entity Number.
  3. Enter the 11-digit identification number that begins with “RN” followed by nine numbers and select “Next”.
  4. Option 2 is used when you know an authorization number associated with the RN number for that site (examples of authorization numbers include program area numbers like solid waste registration numbers, petroleum storage tank registration numbers, and air new source permit numbers).
  5. Enter the known authorization number and select “Next”.

Tip: Currently TXT2 numbers are not in Central Registry and will not work if typed in this field.

  1. Option 3 is used to search for a RN or create a new RN.

Searching for a RN

  • The regulated entity name and county are required fields. Physical address, city and zip are optional. Select “Next”.
  • If items are found they will be listed below. Review the entity names and addresses. If you find the correct “RN” select it. If it is not on the list you can create a new RN by selecting “New RN”.
  • Click the “Copy RE Information” from below or enter in the information then select “Next/Save”.

Tip: Do you want to change the selected RN number? If you are still on the RE section click the “Search Again” button located on the top right. If you are on the Customer page find the “Task List for:” located on the left and click “Site Information (Regulated Entity)” and then click the “Search Again” button.

Creating a New RN

  • The regulated entity name and county are required fields. Physical address, city and zip are optional. Select “Next”.
  • If the correct RN is not found, select “New RN” and “Next” to create a RN number.
  • Type in the Registration Site Information (all items with asterisks are required) and select “Copy Site Information” for the Regulated Entity Site Information. Click “Next/Save”.
  • A RN Number will be assigned after application is signed and submitted.

Customer (Applicant) Information

This is for information on the Individual or Organization responsible for one or more Regulated Entities. The Central Registry issues each customera unique 11-digit identification number called a Customer Reference Numbers (CNs, e.g. CN123456789). Each Customer should have only one CN based upon their name and Secretary of State or Comptroller of Public Accounts information as applicable.

Note: The Customer Name submitted may be updated automatically based on what is current and active with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) or Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).

  1. You will have three or four options to choose from to search for or create a CN. If the RN is currently associated with a customer in the TCEQ Central Registry, you will choose between Options 1, 2, 3 and 4. If the RN is not currently associated with a customer in the TCEQ Central Registry, you will choose between Options 1, 2 and 3.
  2. Choose a customer that is already associated with the site (RN). This is Option 1 if the Regulated Entity is currently associated with a CN in TCEQ Central Registry.
  3. Select the Customer Number that is correct and select “Next”.
  4. If the information found is correct, complete the Responsible Authority Contact Information and select “Next/Save”.
  5. If the provided information on file is incorrect, stop and call the TCEQ Central Registry at 512-239-5175 for assistance.
  6. Search for the Customer Number if you know the applicant’s Customer Number. This isOption 2.
  7. Enter the 11-digit identification number that begins with “CN” followed by nine numbers and select “Next”.
  8. If the CN is found, review the provided information and select “Next/Save”.
  9. If the provided information on file is incorrect stop and call the TCEQ Central Registry at 512-239-5175 for assistance.
  10. Search for an “Authorization from Same Company” when you know an authorization number associated with the RN number for that site. Examples of authorization numbers include program area numbers like solid waste registration numbers, petroleum storage tank registration numbers, and air new source permit numbers. This is listed as either Option 2 or Option 3.
  11. Enter in the known authorization number and select “Next”.
  12. If the CN is found it will be listed below. Select correct item and then “Next”. Review the information.

If the information is correct then answer the “I certify…” statement and complete the Responsible Authority Contact Information.

If the provided information on file is incorrect stop and call the TCEQ Central Registry at 512-239-5175 for assistance.

  • If the item(s) found is not correct, you can select “New Customer” and “Next” to create a new CN. Complete the customer information, then answer the “I certify…” statement, and complete the Responsible Authority Contact Information.
  • If no items are found, a screen will come up prompting you to enter in the needed information.

Tip: Currently TXT2 numbers are not in Central Registry and will not work if typed in the “Authorized from Same Company” field.

  1. Search to see if customer’s information is in the TCEQ Central Registry and/or to create a new CN. This is listed as either Option 3or Option 4.
  2. “Customer/Ownership Type” andlegal name (or part of the legal name)are required fields. Federal Tax ID, State Franchise Tax ID and SOS Filing number are optional. Select “Next”.

Tip: For the legal name it is not necessary to include suffixes (e.g., LLC, LP and INC).

  • If items are found they will be listed below. Select correct item and then “Next”. Review the information. If the information is correct then answer the “I certify…” statement and complete the Responsible Authority Contact Information.
  • If the item(s) found is not correct, you can select “New Customer” and “Next” to create a new CN. Complete the customer information, then answer the “I certify…” statement, and complete the Responsible Authority Contact Information.
  • If no items are found, then a screen will come up prompting you to enter in the needed information.
  • Review the selected information for the CN.If anything is incorrect call the Central Registry at 512-239-5175. If everything is correct enter in the Responsible Authority Contact information and click the “Copy RE Information” from below or enter in the information then select “Next/Save”.
  • A CN Number will be assigned after application is signed and submitted.

Tip: Do you want to change the selected CN number? If still on the Customer (Applicant) Information section click the “Search Again” button located on the top right.