Parents demand concrete plant be shutdown due to health concerns for children
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Some parents are raising concerns about a concrete plant near their children's school, which, according to records, has been warned about dust in the air.
Those parents say they want the facility, located near The Awty International School off I-10 and Post Oak in the Spring Branch area, to be moved.
But state regulators say the facility is permitted correctly.
"The fact that this is right next door to a school should not be happening. Our request is that it move to a safer location," Felipe Riccio said.
The main reason behind their concern is the fear that their kids could be exposed to chemicals in the air. According to the Houston Health Department, a violation was issued for nuisance dust. It's a written warning that doesn't carry a fine.
"There's a lot of anecdotal data of parents saying where my kids have rashes, you know, pulmonary issues they didn't have before. They cleared up before we left for the summer," Riccio said.
Before the protest, other parents took their concerns to the city council on Tuesday.
The plant is run by the company Webber, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues a permit to operate.
The agency confirms with ABC13 that the company does have a temporary permit. Under the requirements, the plant can be as close to 100 feet from the nearest property line. The TCEQ says Webber is authorized to operate at its present location.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire sided with the families' worries and says since this is a state issue, the city needs to work with lawmakers.
"We'll continue to cite them. We're ultimately going to have to work with our Harris County Legislative delegation, and it's very difficult. I've fought batch plants across from my senate district for years," Whitmire said.
Records show the plant is servicing an I-10 project that's expected to be completed in 2028.
Webber did not respond to our request for comment.
