Houston Regional Group - News

The Houston City Council approved a revision to the air pollution registration ordinance and passed a new concrete crushing plant ordinance in April and May 2007.

The air pollution registration ordinance changes expand the types and numbers of businesses that must register with the City of Houston, pay and fee, and are subject to air pollution inspections.

The additional money generated by the fee may lead to more funding for the Bureau of Air Quality Control (BAQC). For the past two years the BAQC has had to operate with about 20 fewer personnel than fiscal year 2005 when a contract with the state ended and was not renewed. Mayor Bill White and Council Member Carol Alvarado pushed for the expanded registration ordinance.

The concrete crushing plant ordinance has been a long time goal of the community in Sunnyside. A large number of concrete crushing plants exist in the Sunnyside community and there have been many complaints about the dust emitted from their operation.

The ordinance does two main things. First, it requires that any new or expanded concrete crushing plant be 1,500 feet from a residence, church, park, or other sensitive areas. Second, the Health and Human Service Department Director can prepare rules that implement "best management practices" to suppress dust from concrete crushing plants.

Council Member Ada Edwards worked for 6 years to control dust emissions from concrete crushing plants. She deserves thanks from all Houstonians for her successful effort to reduce dust air pollution; limit nuisance possibilities; and protect neighborhoods.

The Sierra Club testified and lobbied in favor of passage of both of these ordinances.

July 2007

Last updated:  06/02/2007.   Content © 1999-2007 by the Sierra Club.