Houston’s East End residents are being encouraged by Air Alliance Houston to attend a public meeting regarding the public health impacts of air pollution and environmental justice. The TPC Group petrochemical facility located at 8600 Park Place Blvd, Houston, TX 77017 is in the process of renewing its Federal Operating Permit and the community needs to be informed about the potential impact.
The plant emits a variety of pollutants including Particulate Matter 2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like 1,3-butadiene, ethylene, and propylene, and major greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These emissions have been linked to health risks such as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions particularly affecting the over 2,000 households living within a mile of the plant. Additionally, TPC is known for frequent flaring incidents which release toxic chemicals into the air. Recently during a power outage last Christmas there was significant flaring and heavy smoke at the facility for an entire day.
The plant’s proximity to schools, places of worship and parks in a densely populated area raises concerns about air quality and environmental justice. With higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among residents in this predominantly Black and Brown area community advocates are pushing for strict pollution control measures from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
The public meeting will be held 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 hosting the event where she will speak with residents in the East End about the plant and discuss potential health hazards with a healthcare professional. Tune in to her live report at 5 & 6 today for more information on how you can protect yourself from air pollution in your community.
