Over 500 Near Northside Residents Face Health Risks from Martin Marietta’s Rock Crushing Facility
Public Meeting to Discuss Air Permit Renewal
Houston, TX – Press members are invited to attend a public meeting regarding the air permit renewal for Martin Marietta Materials Southwest LLC’s rock-crushing facility at 3600 Schalker Drive, Houston, Texas 77026, also known as “Schalker Yards.” This meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 6 PM at Betsy Ross Elementary School, 2819 Bay St. Houston, TX 77026, is a crucial opportunity to learn about and report on an ongoing issue plaguing Houston: the proliferation of concrete crushers and batch plants in communities of color and low-income.
Martin Marietta Materials Southwest, LLC has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renew its air permit to allow the continued operation of its Near Northside rock-crushing facility, which produces and manufactures crushed concrete. This facility has been a concern due to the pollutants it emits, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants adversely affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly in vulnerable individuals. According to local regulators, this facility has known deficiencies in its permit and operations, allowing soot to blow into nearby neighborhoods and homes.
The facility is located near more than 500 households, five parks, four elementary schools, numerous places of worship, and other sensitive areas. Within a mile radius, the community is predominantly people of color (95%) and low-income households (57%). Asthma, COPD, heart disease, and stroke rates in the nearest zip code (77026) are notably higher than the county average, raising significant health concerns.
If granted, this renewal would allow the plant to continue releasing over 5 tons of particulate matter annually. 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 “55353”. 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.
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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.