• The community is concerned about loud noises, bright lights, toxic smells, and air pollution emitted by the plant. 
• Over 1,500 households reside within one mile of the plant and the facility is close to multiple schools, childcare centers, and other sensitive areas such as parks. 

Baytown, TX – Media representatives are invited to attend an important public meeting concerning the renewal of Federal Operating Permit No. 1553 for Exxon Mobil Corporation’s Baytown Olefins Plant. This meeting, scheduled for February 5, 2024, at 6 P.M. Marriott SpringHill Suites Baytown, 5169 I-10 East, Baytown, Texas, 77521, will provide insights into the facility’s operational future, which has significant environmental and health implications for the Baytown community and beyond.

Exxon Mobil Corporation has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the renewal of its federal operating permit. The activities of the Baytown Olefins Plant, which produces chemicals used in the manufacturing of plastic packaging and other products, raise significant air quality concerns.

The plant is a notable source of emissions, including Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O). It also emits carcinogenic compounds like 1,3 Butadiene, Ethylene, Propylene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene, and Benzene. These emissions pose chronic health risks, including respiratory issues, heart and lung disease, as well as increased cancer risk over time. Explosions or fires at the facility could lead to immediate danger to the safety and health of nearby residents. The Olefins Plant has a significant violation record and has been all of the last 12 quarters in noncompliance with the federal Clean Air Act.

Over 1,500 households reside within one mile of the plant and the facility is close to multiple schools, childcare centers, and other sensitive areas such as parks. The surrounding zip codes, a majority of whom are people of color, experience elevated levels of adverse health impacts compared to the Harris County average.

The purpose of this meeting is to gather formal public comments about the facility. TCEQ will consider these comments in determining whether to approve or revise the permit. As a federal operating permit, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 must also review and approve the TCEQ decision before the permit is issued. The community is strongly encouraged to attend the meeting to ensure their voices are heard in this process. Written comments can be submitted at TCEQ eComment using the Permit Number “1553”. The comment period will close at the end of the meeting. 

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Media contact: Riikka Pohjankoski, [email protected], 713.589.7079

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