Crushers

The proposed facility on Fannin Avenue is for a Concrete Crushing Plant, not a Concrete Batch Plant. Here’s information about the difference between the two.

Concrete Batch Plant

A concrete batch plant and a concrete crushing plant serve different purposes in construction. A batch plant mixes ingredients like aggregates, sand, water, and cement to produce ready-mixed concrete for immediate use in building projects.

Concrete Crushing Plant

In contrast, a crushing plant processes demolition debris such as concrete and rubble into recycled materials like crushed concrete or recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). These materials are used in new concrete mixes or as a base for roads and pavements, supporting sustainable construction practices by reducing waste. Concrete crushing plays a crucial role in recycling concrete waste and supporting sustainability in construction. However, the process of crushing the concrete releases significant dust and particles in the air and should not be located near residential areas.

Crushing operations typically generate more particulate matter than batch plants due to the intensive mechanical processes of breaking down large materials. The emissions from rock and concrete crushing can also include higher levels of fine particles (PM2.5), which are more harmful to human health as they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system.

A document from the TCEQ states, “… there are monitoring data around sources with far greater potential for particulate matter production: aggregate production operations (APOs). Similar to concrete batch plants, APOs will have PM emissions from moving and storing sand and gravel, but they also include sources that can produce far more PM, such as rock crushers.” [emphasis added]

DISTANCES

Under TCEQ rules, a permanent concrete crusher can operate as close as 440 yards (0.25 miles) from homes, schools, or houses of worship. If this application is approved, here are additional details about what would be allowed:

  • Concrete stockpiles: Must be located at least 100 feet from the property line.

  • Height of concrete stockpiles: Can be as tall as 45 feet!

  • Placement of the concrete crusher: Must be at least 200 feet from the property line.