Community Organizes to Demand Environmental Justice from Houston’s East End Petrochemical Plant

A community organization focused on public health and environmental justice is urging residents near a petrochemical plant in Houston’s East End to attend a public meeting later this week. The TPC Group petrochemical facility, located at 8600 Park Place Blvd, Houston, TX 77017, is known for emitting a range 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.

Recently during a power outage last Christmas, there was significant flaring and heavy smoke at the facility for an entire day. This has raised concerns about the impact of the plant’s proximity to schools, places of worship and parks in densely populated areas predominantly Black and Brown communities. The population in these areas are experiencing higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to exposure to air pollution from the plant.

Community advocates are pushing for stricter pollution control measures from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Air Alliance Houston is reminding residents that they have the right to know about potential health hazards from nearby industrial facilities. The organization is encouraging those living within a mile of the plant to attend the public meeting 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 speaking with residents in the East End about the plant and discussing potential health hazards with a healthcare professional. Tune in to her live report today for more information.