Water

“Although TCEQ is responsible for the environmental protection of air and water as well as the safe management of waste, this registration will regulate the control and abatement of air emissions only. Therefore, issues regarding water quality or discharge and the handling of waste are not within the scope of this review. However, the Applicant may be required to apply for separate authorizations for water quality, water usage, or the handling of waste.” —Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Water Usage

A concern at this particular site is water usage. The company plans to use water to control dust within the facility, but there are worries about depending on local water utilities. Starr Water, a rural utility company, draws water from deep aquifers and must provide service to qualified users in their area. Because concrete crushing facilities need a substantial amount of water, this high demand could affect the local underground water supply.

Water Quality

These facilities can have significant impacts on water quality and the environment. Here are some concerns for any facility of this type:

  • Runoff and Contamination: When it rains, crushed concrete particles and chemicals used in crushing can wash into nearby waterways, polluting them with sediment and pollutants.

  • Groundwater Pollution: Chemicals used in crushing, such as oils and fuels, can leak and contaminate groundwater if not properly managed and contained.

  • Dust and Airborne Particles: Crushing concrete generates dust and airborne particles that can settle on surfaces and be carried by wind into water bodies, affecting water quality and potentially harming aquatic life.

  • Erosion and Sedimentation: Activities around concrete crushing can lead to increased erosion, with sediment from disturbed areas washing into rivers, lakes, and streams, which can smother aquatic habitats and disrupt ecosystems.

  • Impact on Aquatic Life: Pollutants from concrete crushing operations can directly harm aquatic organisms and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Concrete crushing facilities should adhere to environmental regulations to minimize these impacts, including proper runoff management, chemical containment, and water quality monitoring.