Thursday night (July 28, 2016) was the last chance to tell state officials what they thought about an application by an expanding west Bryan manufacturer to generate more air pollution.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hosted a question and answer session followed by a formal comment period. Combined, there were two and a half hours of discussion about the application from Saint Gobain Ceramics to add a kiln that will increase emissions from their plant off Harvey Mitchell Parkway south of Highway 21.
Plant manager David Yarnell says the kiln will be in a new building that was recently built. The company wants an expedited decision from TCEQ, citing economic benefits. That was questioned by one of 13 speakers opposed to the application, Robert Rose of Bryan.
Out the 16 speakers in the formal comment portion of the gathering, there was one supporter…neigboring businessowner Ron Schmidt.
TCEQ’s permit reviewer on this application, Ruth Alvirez, addressed doctor Lon Young’s request to know in layman’s terms the impact of adding 111 tons of pollution if the permit is granted.
Alvirez was also questioned by David Stasny, one of two Bryan school board members to speak.
Other public officials in attendance but not speaking included Bryan city councilman Al Saenz…whose district includes the plant…and state representative John Raney, who requested the TCEQ hearing.
Opponents to the permit also called on TCEQ to start monitoring air quality in the twin cities.
It will possibly be after Thanksgiving before the three member TCEQ commission decides whether to approve Saint Gobain Ceramics permit…or agree with opponents who want a contested hearing, which amounts to holding a civil lawsuit trial.
