“You Are Not Going to Like What You Hear”
That was the common preparatory statement by TCEQ in responding to questions and concerns from a packed house at the TCEQ Air Quality Forum on Feb. 13. On current monitoring – only one monitor is currently operational in Ingleside but it is run by Texas A&M and is not an official TCEQ monitor; on future monitoring in San Pat County – there are no funds or plans to do so; on the saturation of industries in the area – each industry is measured on its own, so the cumulative effect of all industries combined is not taken into consideration; on the lack of an environmental impact assessment – we are not aware of what you are talking about; on Exxon’s agreement with GPISD to install monitors at the schools – we are in touch with them about helping but there is no timeline for implementation; on using maximum available control technology instead of best available controls – we only do that under certain circumstances; on Voestalpine – we’ll check on them in a year for compliance [unless we have another complaint]; on why enforcement is lax and penalties so low – the enforcement division is understaffed and penalties are set by rule or the legislature.
There was applause when one citizen suggested that industry be required to install monitors at their expense since they are getting billions in tax abatements. And, while candidates for San Pat County Judge and Commissioner positions were on hand, not one of them asked a question, made a comment, or expressed concern.
There are several takeaways from this forum. As long as local leaders and economic development corporations promote industrial growth and grant tax incentives, the saturation will continue. Our state representatives need to increase funding to the TCEQ so they can do their job the way we believe they should. Everyone in San Pat, Aransas, and Refugio counties need to get on the mailing list for all air and water permits sought in these counties. You would be surprised at how many air and water permits are sought. In the last year alone, Oxychem, Chemours, Flint Hills, Voestalpine, Cheniere, Exxon, and Corpus Christi Alumina are seeking new or expanded air and water permits. Yes, the red mud alert is on for Corpus Christi Alumina again. VOC’s and particulate matter travel for many miles. The dust from Voestalpine was recorded three miles away. And, as these and new industries locate here, they are going to need water, lots of it, and they are going to discharge effluent and stormwater to the nearest or most convenient bay and estuary available. As they send sludge and spent caustic off site, you can bet they won’t be driving far.
Finally, this air quality forum was NOT a public meeting on Exxon’s air permit requests for the main facility or their proposed terminal at La Quinta Channel. Numerous comments and requests for this meeting have been received by TCEQ. So, don’t hesitate to continue commenting and requesting. You can find out how to do so at the TCEQ website or on our fb page and website.
Stay strong. Stay informed.