HOUSTON – A non-profit organization that works to keep the community informed about public health impacts of air pollution and environmental justice is encouraging people who live near a petrochemical plant in Houston’s East End to attend a public meeting later this week.
The TPC Group petrochemical facility is located at 8600 Park Place Blvd, Houston, TX 77017.
According to Air Alliance Houston, 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.
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The plant is in the process of renewing its Federal Operating Permit and advocates want to inform the community. The permit must also be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Air Alliance says the 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.
A spokeswoman for the organization says the plant is 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.
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The meeting will take place on Thursday at 7 PM at Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success located at 2950 Broadway St, Houston, 77017
KPRC2′s Re’Chelle Turner will be speaking to people who live in the East End about the plant. She also plans to speak with a healthcare professional about potential health hazards when people live near a plant.
Catch her live report at 5 & 6 today.