

In win for residents, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rejects permit for Rosharon concrete crusher | Houston Public Media


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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Rejects Permit for Rosharon Concrete Crusher
A Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) decision released on September 9, 2025 has denied a long‑awaited permit for the Rosharon Concrete Crusher, a proposed expansion of a concrete recycling operation located near the intersection of U.S. 90 and State Highway 225 in Brazoria County. The ruling follows months of public comment, legal scrutiny and a review of the company’s environmental‑impact statements. The rejection is the latest example of the state agency tightening its scrutiny of industrial projects that could impact air and water quality in the Houston‑Galveston region.
What the Rosharon Concrete Crusher Project Entailed
Rosharon Concrete Crusher LLC had submitted a permit application under Texas’s “Concrete Crusher/Concrete Recycling” program, which allows certain facilities to process concrete waste into reusable aggregate. The proposed expansion would have increased the plant’s capacity from 1,000 to 3,500 tons of concrete per day, adding a new crushing line, dust‑control infrastructure and a wastewater treatment system. In exchange, the company pledged to implement several mitigation measures, including an advanced electrostatic dust collection system and a storm‑water runoff treatment plan.
The plant sits on a 30‑acre parcel in a predominantly rural area adjacent to the San Jacinto River. The site’s proximity to the Houston‑Galveston area, as well as the presence of wetlands and a habitat corridor for the endangered Houston Toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis), made the project a focal point for environmental advocates.
Why the TCEQ Rejected the Permit
In a written decision released on the same day as the permit denial, the TCEQ cited multiple deficiencies in the application:
Incomplete Air‑Quality Analysis
The TCEQ found that the company’s air‑quality model did not adequately account for the expected increase in particulate matter (PM‑10 and PM‑2.5) generated by the new crushing line. The model omitted local meteorological data that would affect dust dispersion, and it did not provide a realistic estimate of the potential for air‑borne contamination of nearby residential neighborhoods.Insufficient Water‑Runoff Mitigation
The plant’s proximity to the San Jacinto River prompted scrutiny of its storm‑water runoff plan. The TCEQ noted that the company’s proposed treatment system would not meet the state’s “zero‑discharge” standard for construction and demolition waste. The company also failed to include a buffer zone of native vegetation to reduce sedimentation downstream.Non‑Compliance with the Texas Water Code
A separate legal complaint filed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in 2023 alleged that the company’s proposed drainage system violated Section 7 of the Texas Water Code. The TCEQ’s decision acknowledged that the company had not obtained the necessary “Water‑Quality Permit” for the proposed drainage works.Inadequate Public Engagement
The TCEQ highlighted that the company had not provided sufficient public notice of the project’s environmental impacts. In particular, the company failed to conduct a public hearing in accordance with Texas’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) guidelines, a requirement for projects that may affect protected species or water bodies.Failure to Demonstrate Compliance with the Texas “Concrete Crusher” Program Standards
The program requires that all crushers install an air‑scrubbing system that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Stage III standards for particulate matter. The TCEQ determined that the proposed electrostatic system would only meet Stage II standards, falling short of the program’s mandate.
Because of these shortcomings, the TCEQ issued a permit denial, and the Rosharon Concrete Crusher LLC was given 60 days to either withdraw its application or submit a revised permit that addresses the identified deficiencies.
What Comes Next
Rosharon Concrete Crusher LLC has announced plans to appeal the decision. In a statement to Houston Public Media, the company’s CEO, Michael Alvarez, said the firm “remains committed to meeting all environmental requirements” and that the company will “work with the TCEQ to develop a revised plan that satisfies the agency’s concerns.” The company also indicated that it would seek guidance from the Texas Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS) to expedite the remediation of its air‑quality and water‑runoff plans.
The TCEQ has indicated that it will convene a public hearing on the matter within the next 90 days. The agency stated that it will consider any new evidence that may demonstrate compliance with all applicable environmental statutes, including the Texas Water Code, the Environmental Impact Report law and the EPA’s Part VI standards for concrete crushers.
In addition, the TCEQ has pledged to review other pending concrete‑crusher permits in the Houston‑Galveston area. The agency cited the Rosharon decision as a “case study” for how it will enforce its “zero‑tolerance” approach to projects that may affect vulnerable ecosystems or urban air quality.
Community Reaction
Local residents and environmental groups have mixed feelings about the permit denial. While some appreciate the stricter enforcement of environmental safeguards, others are concerned that a failed expansion could slow the availability of recycled aggregate for local construction projects. The Houston Toad Conservation Coalition, which is monitoring the region’s wetlands, welcomed the decision, stating that the expansion “could have jeopardized the already threatened habitat of the Houston Toad.”
The Rosharon Chamber of Commerce, on the other hand, urged the TCEQ to “review the decision with a balanced perspective.” The chamber argued that the concrete‑recycling industry provides essential jobs and supports Houston’s construction sector. A spokesperson for the chamber said, “We recognize the importance of environmental stewardship, but we also must balance that with economic development and community employment.”
Key Takeaways
- Permit Rejection – The TCEQ has denied a permit for a concrete‑crushing plant expansion in Rosharon due to gaps in air‑quality modeling, water‑runoff mitigation, and public engagement.
- Legal and Regulatory Backdrop – The rejection highlights the importance of compliance with Texas’s Environmental Impact Report law, the Texas Water Code, and EPA particulate‑matter standards.
- Potential Appeal – Rosharon Concrete Crusher LLC plans to appeal and submit a revised application that addresses the TCEQ’s concerns.
- Broader Implications – The decision may influence how other concrete‑recycling projects are evaluated in the Houston‑Galveston region, prompting stricter scrutiny of environmental assessments.
- Community Voice – The local community’s reaction underscores the tension between environmental protection and economic development.
For further details on the TCEQ’s permitting process and the specific regulations governing concrete crushers, readers can consult the TCEQ’s website (www.tceq.texas.gov) and the Texas Department of Environmental Quality’s “Concrete Crusher Program” page. The agency’s official notice and the full decision document are also available for public download from the TCEQ’s online docket system.
Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/fort-bend/2025/09/09/530355/texas-commission-on-environmental-quality-rejects-permit-for-rosharon-concrete-crusher/ ]