Updates to the TCEQ Standard Permit for Concrete Batch Plants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is gearing up to release an updated standard permit for Concrete Batch Plants (CBP) at the start of 2024. This amendment comes in response to a comprehensive Air Quality Analysis (AQA) conducted by the TCEQ, prompted by concerns from the public regarding potential impacts of CBPs. The purpose of the AQA is to demonstrate that a CBP operating under the standard permit follows regulations and is protective of both human health and the environment.

Key Amendments:

1. Setback distances: Setback distances will be measured from the nearest suction shroud fabric/cartridge filter exhaust and/or engine to any property line.
2. County-Specific Setback Distances: The amendment introduces county-by-county setback distances for single plant and multi-plant sites as well as new limits for single plant sites (hint, less than 300 cubic yards (yds)/hr).
3. Recordkeeping Requirements: Monthly tests are now specified for silo warning device or shut-off system tests.
4. Aggregate Washing: All sand and aggregate shall be washed prior to delivery to facility.
5. Emissions Control: Emissions from engine(s) shall not exceed 2.61 grams per horsepower (hp)-hour (hr) of NO_x, per manufacture’s specifications.
6. Site Limit for Electric Power: For engines used to provide electrical power or equipment operations there will be a site limit of 1,000 hp in simultaneous operation.
7. Production Limits: CBP rolling 12-month limit of 650,000 yd³ per year (yr) for traditional plants and 131,400 yd³/yr for specialty concrete batch plants.
8. Sediment Prevention: There are additional requirements for the prevention of tracking sediment onto adjacent roadways.
9. Temporary Concrete Batch Plants: There are also additional changes for these facilities to address unique operational aspects.

What Concrete Batch Plants Should Know:

Stakeholder meetings started in November of 2022, and the Adoption Publication is planned for January 26, 2024. As of this point, public comments have been considered and addressed, making significant further changes unlikely. If a CBP facility has been registered under the older permit rules, they will have to follow the new ones as outlined in 30 TAC §116.605. If you have any questions or need guidance on how these changes will affect your operations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can also visit this page to find updates on the permit’s status. One of our environmental professionals can assist you in your continued compliance with the standards.