AirMail - Concrete Batch Plant/Aggregate Processing Permits
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Open Concrete Batch Plant and Other Aggregate Processing Permit Applications
Do you have questions or need more help creating your comments? Email us at [email protected]. We may also be able to support/represent you if you are interested in participating in a hearing to challenge this permit.
Please make sure to contact your elected officials about your concerns regarding this proposed facility. They have networks and influence to effect change, but they need to hear from you first! Not sure who represents you? Check here.
Texas Coastal Materials, LLC (Permit No. 173296)
Texas Coastal Materials, LLC has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an Air Quality Standard Permit, Registration Number 173296, which would authorize construction of a permanent rock and concrete crusher. The facility is proposed to be located at 5875 Kelley St, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77026.
Immediate actions and help documents:
⚠️ ACTION: Submit public comments by Dec. 7, 2023 (Permit Number 173296)
⚠️ ACTION: Attend an informational meeting
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church (Gymnasium), 4711 Kelley Street, Houston Texas, 77026
Representatives from the TCEQ and the permit applicant will be in attendance. We strongly encourage you to join your community in attending this meeting to express your concerns and ask questions.
Talking points:
Application by Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC (Permit No. 52357L001)
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for renewal of Air Quality Permit Number 52357L001, which would authorize continued operation of an Asphalt Plant located at 600 Lockwood Drive, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77011.
Immediate actions and help documents:
⚠️ ACTION: A public meeting has been requested by State Rep. Ana Hernandez. Please check back for the meeting date.
The TCEQ must organize a public meeting at the request of local State legislators.
Resources:
Who represents me?
Reach out to your elected officials template
What are Concrete Batch Plants and why are they an air quality concern?
Concrete batch plants are facilities that mix cement, sand, and aggregates with water to create the concrete used to construct bridges, buildings, roads, and more. While these projects are often necessary, living near one of these facilities can significantly impact your health and quality of life in a number of ways. Currently, there are no meaningful restrictions on where these facilities are constructed relative to homes, schools, parks, and other places where people live, work, and play.
While concrete batch plants are the most common aggregate-processing facility in Houston, there are other types of facilities that process aggregates and have similar concerns. These include asphalt plants, hot mix asphalt plants, and concrete crushers.
Concrete batch plants (and other aggregate processing) produce a lot of dust, especially the smallest and most difficult to detect dust, known as fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. These particles are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and may enter your bloodstream. This kind of pollution can pose serious health risks:
- It can lead to heart and lung disease, as well as cancer, and is known to affect lung development in children;
- Is known to trigger or worsen chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems;
- Has been associated with a higher risk for birth defects when pregnant people are exposed;
- It may cause immediate or delayed irritation
Concrete batch plants (and other aggregate processing) significantly increase the presence of heavy-duty vehicles on neighborhood roadways. The noise, traffic, wear and tear of local roadways makes living and travel for residents unsafe and unbearable. Diesel-fueled vehicles within the heavy-duty fleet emit black carbon and nitrogen oxide into residential neighborhoods. Diesel exhaust contains both very small particles and 40 chemicals that are classified as “hazardous air pollutants” under the Clean Air Act. The pollution in the exhaust can aggravate asthma and allergies, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Vehicle emissions are still present and harmful even when you can’t see the exhaust.
If the facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as would be allowed by the permit, you may be subject to 24/7 exposure to harmful air pollutants that can exacerbate existing health conditions.
The TCEQ’s spotty history in regulating Concrete batch plants (and other aggregate processing) facility operations creates uncertainty around any CBP’s ability to operate responsibly and prevent anticipated impacts to nearby residents. In 2021, Harris County Pollution Control issued over 80 violation notices after conducting 149 inspections of Harris County concrete batch plants (and other aggregate processing).
In Harris County, concrete batch plants (and other aggregate processing) are predominantly located in communities of color and with lower incomes. Some of these facilities are located in residential areas and neighborhoods, close to schools, parks, and homes. The surrounding residents are shouldered with the burden of breathing dust and polluted air.
Please note: While we encourage you to bring up any concerns when challenging a permit, please keep in mind that the TCEQ will be concerned with air pollution impacts to health and environmental welfare. We recommend that you focus your arguments on the possible impacts to your health and quality of life.