Toxic fumes are burning lungs, hurting Texans!

[Thanks to Ramsey for the following info, which I'm pretty sure he got directly from the Downwinders at Risk organization.]

STOP TXI Tire Burning in Midlothian!  Send a Letter!

The TXI cement plant in Midlothian is requesting a Class 2 modification to burn tires in addition to the hazardous waste they are currently burning as fuel. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one other cement plant in the country burning both tires and hazardous waste.

A Class 2 modification requires no public hearing or opportunity for a contested case hearing.  TXI held a "public meeting", but the notice for the meeting was in the Waxahachie newspaper and turnout was low.  In order for TXI to be required to go to a Class 3 modification there must be "significant public concern".  Downwinders at Risk is asking you to download the attached letter (also pasted below) and mail to the TCEQ to help us show significant public concern.  Comments are due May 30 at 5:00 pm.

If you have questions, please e-mail us at info@downwindersatrisk.org

Thank you for helping us fight toxic air pollution in North Texas.

Downwinders at Risk


For information on the dangers of burning tires:

http://www.energyjustice.net/tires/


Sample letter to TCEQ:
May ____, 2006

Ms. LaDonna Castanuela
Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105
Texas Commission of Environmental Qualityy
P. O. Box 13087
Austin, Texas 78711-3087

Re: TXI Operations, L.P., 245 Ward Road, Midlothian, Texas 76065
Request for Class 2 Modification to Hazardous Waste Permit HW-50316-001
EPA I.D. No. TXD007349327

Dear Chief Clerk:

Regarding the above-referenced Request for Class 2 Modification, I am writing to ask that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) deny approval of this request.  Additionally, I ask that should this issue move forward
TXI be required to reapply for a Class 3 modification to allow the public better opportunity for participation.

This modification would allow substantial emission increases which will affect the health and welfare of my family and the use and enjoyment of our property.

Notification of this modification came from environmental groups.  There was no notice in my mail or in a newspaper I read.  Please require better notification of issues that impact the health and welfare of my family.

Sincerely,

[your name & address]