‘Amazingly high’ air pollution near Houston chemical plants gets EPA monitoring support

Houston Receives Grant to Monitor Air Pollution in High-Risk Neighborhoods

Houston is taking steps to better understand and address air pollution in communities near chemical plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a grant of nearly $500,000 to support the city’s efforts. The funds, provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to expand community air monitoring in high-risk neighborhoods. The data collected from these monitors will be used to make EPA-backed recommendations to the state’s environmental agency, potentially leading to stricter regulations on industrial emissions.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – By monitoring air pollution and taking necessary actions, Houston aims to protect the health and well-being of its residents.
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The city’s efforts align with creating sustainable and safe communities by addressing pollution concerns near chemical plants.
3. Goal 13: Climate Action – Monitoring air pollution is an essential step towards mitigating the impact of industrial emissions on the environment.

The chief environmental science officer of the Houston Health Department, Loren Hopkins, stated that the high-quality data collected through this initiative, in collaboration with the EPA, is more likely to be utilized. The goal is to ensure the safety of communities living near industrial facilities by implementing effective controls and providing evidence that pollution is under control.

This air monitoring effort was prompted by concerns about elevated levels of 1,3-butadiene, a hazardous air pollutant, detected near two chemical plants in Houston. Exposure to this pollutant can have severe health impacts, including cancer and short-term symptoms such as eye and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. The Goodyear and Texas Petrochemical plants, which are the highest emitters of 1,3-butadiene in Houston, have raised additional concerns due to their plans for expansion despite opposition from the city and community members.

Prior to the expansion, the city has established baseline information on toxic hazardous air pollutants in the community. The monitoring efforts will assess whether the new controls implemented during the expansion effectively reduce contamination. In addition to 1,3-butadiene, the EPA grant will also be used to monitor three other hazardous air pollutants: benzene, formaldehyde, and ethylene oxide.

The grant funding will primarily be allocated to acquiring the necessary equipment and conducting air quality sampling, which can be costly. A portion of the grant will also be used to compensate community partners involved in the project. Community members play a crucial role as they possess valuable knowledge about when and where air pollution is most severe. Monitors will be placed in residents’ homes to gather accurate data.

U.S. legislators from Texas have praised the EPA’s decision to provide the air monitoring grant. Representative Al Green highlighted that the city’s health department received over 40 air pollution complaints in 2021 from ZIP codes in the historically Black neighborhood of Sunnyside. He emphasized that the EPA’s data from 2014 indicates an increasing cancer risk in this area. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee also expressed concern about the lack of awareness among community members regarding the quality of air they breathe, which can have long-term and life-threatening health impacts.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution
• Air quality index and levels of hazardous air pollutants (e.g., 1,3-butadiene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide)
• Extent of community involvement and participation in air monitoring efforts

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: smartcitiesdive.com

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