At 445 feet, the main tower of the Voestalpine iron purification plant is the highest structure in South Texas. The Austrian company requested increased air permit levels from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at a public meeting July 27. Photo copyright voestalpine AG/source: voestalpine.com
Corpus Christi iron purification plant wants TCEQ approval for increased emissions
The public has until Thursday, July 29, to comment on a proposal made by Voestalpine Texas LLC to increase air permit levels at its iron purification plant in San Patricio County near Corpus Christi.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality heard the proposal during a virtual meeting Tuesday, July 27.
Portland Citizens United, an environmental group concerned about the plant’s impact on wildlife and people in the area, sent out a request for public comment. It posted the means for participating on its website.
“Rather than seeking to increase air contaminants, they need to control them,” reads a Facebook post for Portland Citizens United regarding Voestalpine's request. “Why grant them an amendment when their dust continues to cover the neighborhoods.”
Voestalpine opened its plant along the Texas Coastal Bend in October 2016. Its representatives have stated that the current emissions authorization was based on pre-construction estimates.
According to regulatory records, Voestalpine’s proposed adjustments in the application would increase allowable carbon monoxide emissions and particulates.
A preliminary determination summary produced by the TCEQ stated that the request would “reflect as-built conditions at their facility and increase permitted emission rates to be consistent with those found during source testing.”
Expanded operations or an increase in existing emissions are not on the draft permit, according to Voestalpine representatives. The notice for permit 108113 can be found on the TCEQ website.
