Channelview, TX – A heated public meeting last week brought residents, environmental advocates, and company officials face-to-face over Equistar Chemicals LP’s request for a new air quality permit and non-attainment permit for its planned ethylene derivatives unit.
The meeting, hosted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at San Jacinto College North, drew a strong turnout and sparked an emotional debate on pollution and health risks.
Community Concerns Over Pollution
Many residents voiced their opposition, saying Channelview is already struggling with high levels of pollution.
Carolyn Stone, founder of the Channelview Health and Improvement Coalition, highlighted the community’s health struggles.
“We are already overburdened with pollution. This new unit will only add to the health risks we face daily,” she said. Stone pointed to the area’s cancer cluster designation and the high rates of asthma and respiratory illnesses among locals.
Another resident, Paul Flores, shared his frustration.
“Channelview has become a dumping ground for industries. We are tired of being the ones who suffer while companies make massive profits,” he said. Flores also questioned the company’s track record, noting past violations and raising doubts about its ability to follow new permit conditions.
Equistar Chemicals’ Response
Representatives from Equistar Chemicals LP, a subsidiary of LyondellBasell, defended the project. Greg Cannon, Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental at the Channelview complex, assured residents that the facility would operate within regulatory limits.
“The new unit will use existing vapor recovery and control systems to minimize emissions,” Cannon said. “We prioritize recovery of streams over release to support our environmental stewardship goals.”
He further added that the company works closely with TCEQ to ensure compliance and that emissions would remain within safe levels.
TCEQ’s Position
Officials from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality explained that the agency had reviewed the application and conducted emissions modeling. They reported that the proposed emissions were below “significant impact levels,” meaning further evaluation was not required.
“The modeling showed that the emissions would not exceed national ambient air quality standards,” a TCEQ representative said.
However, many residents and environmental advocates remained unconvinced. They argued that TCEQ’s approach fails to account for cumulative pollution from multiple facilities already operating in the area.
“This community is not in a bubble. We are surrounded by pollution from all sides,” said Reem Tariq, an environmental justice outreach coordinator.
What Happens Next
The meeting ended with a formal comment session, giving residents the chance to submit written feedback. TCEQ will now review all comments and issue responses before making a final decision on the permits.
For Channelview residents, the fight is far from over. The outcome of this application could shape not only the future of this project but also the community’s long-term health and environment.
The Channelview debate highlights a growing clash between industry expansion and community health. While Equistar Chemicals insists it will meet environmental standards, residents remain deeply concerned about adding more pollution to an already burdened area.
With TCEQ set to review public comments, the decision on this permit will be crucial for both industry and local families who are demanding their right to breathe cleaner air.
