| Houston, Texas – Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne announced a settlement in two environmental enforcement cases against concrete batch plants operated by the same company, securing a combined $428,685 in civil penalties and attorneys’ fees and bringing both facilities into compliance with Texas environmental laws. The lawsuits involved concrete batch plants located in Baytown and in Northern Harris County. As a result of the County’s legal action, both sites have corrected violations and are now operating in compliance with state requirements designed to protect air quality and public health. “This outcome reflects what we really want to see happen in these cases – correcting violations, bringing facilities into compliance, and protecting the health of our communities,” said County Attorney Fombonne. “Concrete batch plants can operate near neighborhoods, schools, and small businesses. It’s critical that they follow the law and take seriously their responsibility to minimize impacts on air quality and the environment.” Concrete batch plants can generate dust and particulate matter that, if not properly controlled, affect nearby residents and contribute to air pollution. Harris County Pollution Control investigated the violations and the Harris County Attorney's office pursued legal action to ensure corrective measures were implemented. The Harris County Attorney’s Office Environmental Division enforces state environmental laws to safeguard public health, protect natural resources, and promote fair compliance across industries operating within the county. |