HOCKLEY, Texas – A proposed fuel storage terminal in northwest Harris County is drawing growing opposition from residents who say they’re worried about potential impacts on their health, quality of life and property values.
The project, proposed by Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., now part of ONEOK, would be built on a nearly 20-acre tract at 25510 Zube Road in Hockley, just north of U.S. Highway 290.
If approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the facility would receive, store and transfer gasoline, diesel, ethanol and supplemental fuels.
For neighbors like Ziba and Joe Minavi, the proposal hits especially close to home.
The couple is nearly finished building their dream home along Zube Road. Their property backs up to the site where the proposed terminal could be constructed.
“That is where the house is, and where the trees are is the property line between this side of the proposed tanks and also this house,” Joe Minavi said while pointing toward the proposed site.
The Minavis say they were shocked to learn an industrial fuel storage facility could be built next door.
“And just imagine living next to a facility this scale that has fuel, jet fuels and gas in huge tanks. Sixty feet tall. Nobody wants to live next to this,” Ziba Minavi said.
According to TCEQ’s permit application, the proposed terminal would receive, store and transfer:
- Gasoline
- Diesel
- Ethanol
- Supplemental fuels
The permit application also states the facility would include storage tanks, piping, truck loading operations and pollution-control equipment designed to reduce emissions.
One of the biggest concerns voiced by residents is air quality.
According to TCEQ permit documents, the proposed facility would be permitted to emit regulated air pollutants, including:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Particulate matter
- Hazardous air pollutants
VOCs are gases released during fuel storage and transfer operations. TCEQ’s technical review states the proposed facility would use vapor recovery and other pollution-control systems designed to reduce emissions.
The agency has issued a preliminary decision on the permit, but a final decision has not yet been made.
The proposed site is located near Roberts Road Elementary School, churches and growing residential communities.
Kenyatta Bangura, who recently moved to the area, says she’s especially concerned because she’s expecting a baby.
“I’m actually pregnant now, so it’s very scary to know that I’m in a community, I purchased a house here, and so I’m locked in for 30 years in a way. It’s very scary to know that I’m trying to start a life here,” Bangura said.
Just across Highway 290 is the growing Jubilee master-planned community.
Homeowner Derrick Davis says he also worries about what the development could mean for property values.
“It’s gonna be an eyesore for one, and it’s gonna be additional traffic. It’s just, it’s not a good look,” Davis said.
The proposed terminal has not yet received final approval.
TCEQ is currently reviewing public comments before making a final decision on Air Quality Permit No. 180764.
Residents have organized community meetings, submitted public comments and say they plan to continue opposing the project throughout the permitting process.
"Why, why does it have to be here? You know, we’re not against expansion and development and progression and against oil and gas, but why does it have to be here? You know, there’s, there’s plenty of other places you can go build this that are gonna be much safer and a much better fit for, for a plant of that type," Davis said.
KPRC2 reached out to the TCEQ regarding the permitting process.
They issued the statement below:
- What type of permit has been requested for this proposed facility, and what activities would the permit authorize?
Magellan Pipeline Company, LP applied for a case-by-case New Source Review permit. You can find additional information in the application on our website at Pending Air Permits: Information on Current Applications - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov. You can search under permit number 180764
- Where does this project currently stand in the permitting process?
Staff is currently evaluating all comments received during the public comment period. This review will culminate in a formal Response to Comments (RTC) that responds to all comments filed during the comment period. Once the RTC is filed, the Office of the Chief Clerk (OCC) will schedule all timely hearing requests and any requests for reconsideration to be considered at a scheduled commission public meeting (Agenda).
- What environmental reviews does TCEQ conduct before deciding whether to issue this type of permit? TCEQ conducts a technical review in accordance with all rules and regulations.
- What emissions are anticipated under the proposed permit, and how does TCEQ evaluate whether those emissions comply with state and federal air quality standards?
The emission levels for each air contaminant may be found in the application at the link identified in Item No. 1. TCEQ conducts a technical review which includes an evaluation of the emission sources, control technologies, and a protectiveness review.
- How does TCEQ evaluate a proposed facility’s proximity to homes, schools, churches, and other sensitive locations? Under 30 Texas Administrative Code § 116.111, all construction permits and amendment applications for facilities must demonstrate that the proposed operation, as represented in the air permit application, complies with all applicable state and federal regulations to ensure protection of public health and welfare. This demonstration, commonly referred to as a protectiveness or impacts review ensures the protection of all public which contains the facilities identified.
- Does TCEQ require traffic, noise, or flooding studies as part of this permitting process? If not, which agencies are responsible for reviewing those potential impacts? TCEQ does not have jurisdiction to regulate traffic, noise, or flooding, and these matters are typically addressed through local county or municipal ordinances and enforced by local authorities.
- How many public comments has TCEQ received regarding this proposed project?
You can find this information on the TCEQ Commissioners Integrated Database at Search TCEQ Data - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov.
KPRC 2 also received a statement from ONEOK regarding the proposed terminal. A spokesperson said:
“The proposed refined products terminal in Hockley, Texas, would safely store and distribute refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel and other transportation fuels that support everyday needs across the growing Houston metro region. These products are used by consumers, businesses, emergency services and other critical infrastructure that depend on a safe, reliable and affordable fuel supply.
We have a century-long track record of building relationships with stakeholders in and around our operating areas and have been actively engaged with the community regarding our proposed project. We recently hosted a project open house and participated in a public permit meeting, allowing residents to ask questions directly of our project team and share feedback. We remain committed to ongoing community engagement throughout the permitting process and take questions from all stakeholders seriously.
We will continue to comply with applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements for this project and have performed all studies and modeling pursuant to the requirements of the permitting process. Lowest achievable emission rates have also been integrated into the facility design for environmental protection. We look forward to continued engagement with community members and other stakeholders as the permitting process moves forward."
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones’ office also issued a statement.
“The TCEQ has a troubling record of disregarding community concerns about hazardous material facilities that emit toxic pollutants. In rapidly growing communities like Hockley, responsible development that prioritizes safety must be non-negotiable. Our children deserve safe places to learn and play; Texas schools should never loom under the constant threat of industrial pollution. I stand with the families fighting this project and urge TCEQ and state leaders to deny this permit. State leaders have a duty to keep all Texans safe and must strengthen protections to prevent such facilities from ever being placed near schools, hospitals, or homes.”
State Rep. Tom Oliverson’s office has not provided a statement as of this publication.
Residents say they plan to continue contacting elected officials and state regulators in hopes of stopping the project from being built in their community.