Texas Concrete Enterprise, L.L.C. has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew its air permit to allow the continued operation of its Near Northside concrete batching facility. The existing facility is authorized to emit the following air contaminants: particulate matter, including (but not limited to) aggregate, cement, road dust, and particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less. These pollutants adversely affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Late 2024, Texas Senator Carol Alvarado submitted a request for a public meeting regarding this facility and received a response from the TCEQ that they do not have an obligation to hold public meetings on a renewal air permit if the air quality model supplied by the applicant does not forecast a change in emissions. Click here to see their letter.

The facility is located near more than 5,000 households, three schools, four places of worship and four parks, among other sensitive areas. Within a mile radius, the community is predominantly people of color (95%) and 52% spanish speaking. The surrounding area also experiences elevated levels of heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to the county, state, and national average and overall worse levels of life expectancy.

Given the existing environmental burdens in the area, including other concrete plants and toxic waste sites, the addition of this facility’s emissions is a significant concern.

Following the meeting, the TCEQ will decide whether to renew the permit with or without changes. The community’s voice must be heard in this process. Residents and concerned parties are encouraged to attend the public meeting and submit comments to TCEQ online at http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ using the Permit Number “121798“. Furthermore, contacting elected officials to express concerns and request enhanced pollution control practices and fenceline monitoring is crucial. The comment period will end at the end of the meeting.