– 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, the plant is known to emit a range of pollutants, including Particulate Matter 2.5, volatile organic compounds such as 1,3-butadiene, ethylene, and propylene, and major greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
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.