The public meeting on May 22 is about TWO permits sought by EXXON/SABIC. One is the main air permit which, if approved, will authorize the construction of the facility. The second permit is described in the official notice as a permit to authorize the construction of a “plastics logistics center”. Sounds like maybe an Exxon/Saudi command post, doesn’t it?
IT IS IN FACT A PERMIT to construct and operate a RAILYARD and it should have been described as such in the notice. The railyard is approximately one mile long on HWY 181. It can accommodate over 1,000 railcars in various stages of loading, transport, and washing. Two 25,000 gallon diesel fuel tanks will dispense diesel fuel to trucks, railcars, tractors, scissor lifts, etc.
The draft permit authorizes the “construction of the railyard, which will consist of polyethylene pellet loading activities, cleaning of railcars, and diesel vehicle reloading operations”. The pellets will be piped from the main facility and dropped into railcars through loading hoppers. The railcars will also be washed down at the facility.
In their application, EXXON/SABIC state that the “rail loading operations can be suitably compared to the Formosa Plant in Point Comfort”. Well, we know that Formosa was responsible for millions of these pellets ending up in the creeks, mud flats, estuaries, and bays.
We have challenged the water quality permit and it is still pending. Despite the misleading notice, we must also challenge this railyard as it will be a source for stormwater runoff of diesel fuel and pellets during loading and washdowns. And, did we mention the nuisance of 1,000 railcars?
REMINDER: TCEQ Public Meeting about EXXON/SABIC Air Permit is Tuesday 5/22!
Click below for details.