Concerned residents will gather at the Marriott SpringHill Suites Baytown to voice their worries over the renewal of Federal Operating Permit No. 1553 for Exxon Mobil Corporation's Baytown Olefins Plant. The public meeting, scheduled for February 5, 2024, at 6 P.M., holds crucial importance for the Baytown community as they seek insights into the future operations of the plant and its potential environmental and health impacts.

Exxon Mobil Corporation's application to renew its federal operating permit, currently under review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has sparked heightened environmental and health concerns within the Baytown community. The Baytown Olefins Plant, responsible for manufacturing chemicals used in plastic packaging and other products, raises significant air quality apprehensions.

The plant emits various pollutants, including Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O). Additionally, it releases carcinogenic compounds such as 1,3 Butadiene, Ethylene, Propylene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene, and Benzene. These emissions pose chronic health risks, leading to respiratory issues, heart and lung diseases, and an elevated risk of cancer over time. The plant's historical violation record, with noncompliance with the federal Clean Air Act for the past 12 quarters, adds to the community's concerns.

Within a mile radius of the plant, more than 1,500 households are directly impacted. The facility's proximity to schools, childcare centers, parks, and sensitive areas amplifies the potential adverse health effects on the community, particularly in the surrounding zip codes predominantly inhabited by people of color.

The public meeting aims to collect formal comments from concerned citizens about the facility's impact. TCEQ will consider these comments when deciding whether to approve or revise the permit. As a federal operating permit, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 will also review and approve the TCEQ decision before issuing the permit. Community attendance at the meeting is crucial to ensure their voices play a significant role in the decision-making process. Written comments can be submitted on TCEQ eComment using the Permit Number "1553," with the comment period closing at the end of the meeting.

Stay tuned to Houston Style Magazine for updates on this critical community-driven engagement regarding the Exxon Mobil Baytown Olefins Plant.