The local Manchester community is encouraged to participate and share their concerns

WHAT:

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled a hearing regarding the application by Valero Energy Partners to renew the operating permit of its petroleum refinery located on 9701 Manchester St. The purpose of this hearing will be to receive questions and public comment, which the TCEQ will consider in determining whether to revise and/or issue the permit.

The Valero facility emits particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These air pollutants can be hazardous to public health and some contribute to ozone pollution formation.

The hearing is part of the required process for the TCEQ Executive Director to prepare a permit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review. The proposed permit, if approved, will codify the conditions under which the refinery must operate. Community participation is vital. Because this is a federal operating permit, EPA Region 6 must also review and approve the TCEQ decision before the permit will be issued.

In preparation for the public hearing, Lone Star Legal Aid and Earth Justice will host a virtual prep session for the community on Thursday, December 8th between 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Those interested should log into https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84763887381.

WHEN:

December 12, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM

WHERE:

Hartman Community Center
9311 E Avenue P
Houston, Texas 77012, Texas
Location phone: (713) 928-4803

Air Alliance Houston staff will be available for interviews at the hearing.

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Air Alliance Houston is a non-profit advocacy organization working to reduce the public health impacts from air pollution and advance environmental justice through applied research, education, and advocacy. For more information and resources, please visit www.airalliancehouston.org.