Fort Worth appeals Texas’ decision to allow concrete batch plant opposed by residents
Fort Worth is trying to reverse a Texas state agency’s decision to allow a concrete batch plant just north of Texas 170.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved The Organic Recycler’s air quality permit on Sept. 23 after receiving 360 comments from the public including appeals from Mayor Mattie Parker, council member Alan Blaylock and State Rep. Nate Schatzline opposing the project.
The plant would be at 13001 Old Denton Road and across the street from the Overlook Ranch apartment complex.
Roughly 100 people showed up to an April community meeting to voice their concerns about the potential impact of dust particles emanating from the site, as well as the impact of exhaust fumes from idling concrete trucks.
However, a July 24 letter from the TCEQ’s executive director Kelly Keel noted any potential emissions or dust from the site would fall within the limits set by the air quality permit.
The letter also noted the company submitted a dust control plan to mitigate the impact on the surrounding area, and encouraged residents to report any violations to TCEQ’s Fort Worth Office.
The city of Fort Worth argued TCEQ’s standards rely on outdated data that doesn’t protect the health and safety of the public, in a legal filing shared with the Star-Telegram.
“My top priority has always been, and remains, to advocate for the best interests of District 10 and all of Fort Worth, with a particular focus on protecting our neighborhoods,” Blaylock said in a press release posted to his city Facebook page.
Blaylock commended residents for opposing the permit while arguing the TCEQ did not adequately address their concerns.
“Not one individual, out of the hundreds who spoke at this public hearing, was in favor of the project,” Rep. Schatzline said. He echoed Blaylock’s concern about TCEQ’s review process
Both elected officials said they are taking action to ensure their constituents’ concerns are considered.
He also noted the city council changed its land use rules putting new regulations on concrete batch plants. Those rules will require all future plants to go through the city’s zoning process before being allowed to operate.
Timothy Sansone, the managing partner at The Organic Recycler, did not immediately respond to a phone call from the Star-Telegram seeking comment.
This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 4:47 PM.
.jpg)