MORE THAN 2,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN EAST HOUSTON FACE HEALTH HAZARDS DUE TO TPC GROUP PETROCHEMICAL PLANT
Local community to voice their concerns during permit renewal meeting
Houston, TX—Members of the media are invited to attend a public meeting regarding the TPC Group’s application to renew its Federal Operating Permit. This meeting, scheduled by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for April 11, 2024, at 7 PM at Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success (2950 Broadway St, Houston, 77017), provides an opportunity for the East Houston community to demand cleaner air and oppose harmful pollution in their neighborhood.
The TPC Group petrochemical facility is located at 8600 Park Place Blvd, Houston, TX 77017. The plant is known to emit a range of pollutants, including Particulate Matter 2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 1,3-butadiene, ethylene, and propylene, and major greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These emissions are associated with significant health risks, including asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions, affecting the over 2,000 households living within a mile of the plant. TPC is also a source of air pollution from frequent flaring. Just last Christmas, when they experienced a power outage, there was significant flaring and heavy smoke at the facility for an entire day.
Located near schools, places of worship, and parks, the plant’s presence in a densely populated, predominantly Black and Brown area raises urgent concerns about air quality and environmental justice. With the local population experiencing higher-than-average rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, community advocates are urging the TCEQ to impose the most stringent pollution control measures. This permit must also be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Comments made at this meeting will also be reviewed and assessed by the EPA.
Air Alliance Houston encourages public participation in the decision-making process. It urges residents to attend the public meeting on April 11, 2024, to share their concerns with TPC and TCEQ and to submit their concerns to TCEQ online.
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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.