Introduction to the Problem
Parents and grandparents of schoolchildren gathered outside the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Houston office building to protest a concrete batch plant near the Awty International School in Spring Branch. The protesters are concerned about the potential health effects of the plant’s emissions on their children.
Concerns About Health Effects
Felipe Riccio, a parent of a 5-year-old student at the Awty International School, is worried about how the temporary concrete plant near the campus could affect his son. Concrete plants are known to emit fine particulate matter that can cause health problems, such as heart and lung problems. The plant is located about 300 feet from the school buildings and 400 feet from a playground.
The Purpose of the Concrete Plant
The concrete plant is being used to help build the Texas Department of Transportation’s White Oak Bayou I-10 elevation project, which isn’t expected to be completed until the end of 2028. Webber LLC, a contractor for the TxDOT project, is operating the batch plant. The company’s representatives could not be reached for comment.
Response from TxDOT and Webber LLC
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) acknowledged the ongoing protests and the importance of the issues being raised. The agency respects the right to peaceful demonstration and remains committed to open dialogue, safety, and constructive engagement. However, Webber LLC’s representatives could not be reached for comment.
Community Involvement
Rose Mary Salum and her daughter, Loris Simon, joined the protest because they are concerned about the potential air pollution from the plant and the resulting health effects. Simon’s two kids attend the school, as well as one of her nephews. The family chose the school because of its international focus and diversity.
Environmental Concerns
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) strengthened its requirements for batch plants to limit pollution last year. The agency requires plants to limit their particulate matter emissions, which can cause heart and lung problems. However, advocates have criticized the agency, saying it doesn’t do enough to enforce these standards. Genesis Granados, an environmental justice and programs manager with Air Alliance Houston, said exposure to particulate matter can cause asthma, allergies, and heart problems, especially in children.
Ongoing Investigation
The TCEQ has received more than 70 complaints about the concrete plant, and the agency’s compliance investigation is ongoing. Masha Blakenship, a mother of three Awty students, hopes that Webber LLC will decide to move the batch plant to a more industrial area. She believes that it’s not right to have the plant located next to the school.
Conclusion
The protest against the concrete batch plant near the Awty International School highlights the concerns of parents and grandparents about the potential health effects of the plant’s emissions on their children. The TCEQ and Webber LLC must take these concerns seriously and work towards finding a solution that prioritizes the health and well-being of the students and the community. The community hopes that the plant will be relocated to a more industrial area, away from the school, to minimize the risks associated with air pollution.
