AirMail - Concrete Batch Plant Permits
Favor, permítenos mientras configuramos estas páginas en Español. Para información en español conéctate con nosotros: [email protected]
Open Concrete Batch Plant 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.
Application by Martin Marietta Materials Southwest LLC
Martin Marietta Materials Southwest LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for renewal of Air Quality Permit Number 50114, which would authorize the continued operation of the Concrete Batch Plant located at 5001 Gasmer Drive, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77051.
Immediate actions and help documents:
ACTION: Tell your elected officials to request a public hearing by May 30, 2023
ACTION: Tell your elected officials to request a public hearing by May 30, 2023- State Rep. Shawn Thierry: 713-667-4146
- State Senator Borris Miles: 713-223-0387
ACTION: Submit written public comments by May 30, 2023
Written public comments should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ (Permit Number: 50114)
Application by Yellow Jacket Readymix LLC
Yellow Jacket Readymix LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a modification of Air Quality Permit Number 78606 of the Concrete Batch Plant located at 2219 Hartwick Road, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77093.
Immediate actions and help documents:
ACTION: Attend a Public Meeting on June 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM
When: June 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM
Where: East Aldine District Town Center, 2902 East Aldine Amphitheater Drive, Houston, Texas, 77039
ACTION: Submit written public comments by June 12, 2023
Written public comments should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ (Permit Number: 78606). The comments should be submitted before the end of the public meeting.
Resources:
Application by LS Ready Mix, LLC
LS Ready Mix, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the amendment of Permit No. 147696. This application would authorize modification of a Concrete Batch Plant located at 9756 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77038.
Immediate actions and help documents:
ACTION: Attend a Public Meeting on June 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM
When: June 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM
Where: Mangum-Howell Community Center at Richard P. Doss Park 2500 Frick Road Houston, Texas 77038
ACTION: Submit written public comments by June 20, 2023
Written public comments should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ (Permit Number: 147696). The comments should be submitted before the end of the public meeting.
Resources:
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.
Concrete batch plants 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 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 Plant 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.
In Harris County, concrete batch plants 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.