Navigating the New Landscape of Concrete Batch Plant Permits in Texas
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has officially reshaped the landscape for concrete batch plant Standard Permits, and Westward Environmental wants to ensure you're in the loop! Starting January 24th, 2024, all new permits (existing permits have a grace period) will operate under updated regulations focusing on increased environmental protection.
What's Changed?
Distance Matters: TCEQ has revised setback distances from property lines based on advanced air dispersion modeling. In some cases, additional controls like truck-loading enclosures can be implemented to reduce required distances.
Operational Tweaks: Hourly production is capped at 200 cubic yards (dry batch) and 300 cubic yards (wet batch), annual production at 650,000 cubic yards, and stockpiles are limited to 1.5 acres. Washed sand and aggregate are now mandatory, along with EPA Tier 4 engines for cleaner emissions.
Houston & South Texas Spotlight: Specific areas like Houston and Cameron/Hidalgo Counties see stricter distance requirements of 200-feet and 300-feet, respectively. However, facilities can opt for a 3-sided truck-loading enclosure for a 100-foot minimum distance.
Enclosures on the Rise: Speaking of enclosures, any site with multiple ready-mix plants now requires them at truck-loading points, further minimizing potential dust and emissions.
Navigating these changes can be complex, but Westward Environmental is your trusted partner for understanding and complying with the new regulations. Our team of experts can guide you through every step, from permit applications to ensuring your operations meet the latest standards.
Additional Tips:
Remember, these are just highlights. We encourage you to review the complete TCEQ regulations here: 2024 Amended Standard Permit https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/air/nsr/nsr-stakeholders/22033-oth-nr-cbpsp-stdpmt.pdf
Don't wait! If you're planning a new concrete batch plant or your existing permit is nearing renewal, contact Westward Environmental as soon as possible. We'll keep you updated on any further developments related to these regulations. By staying informed, you can ensure your concrete batch plant thrives in the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.