Natalie Weber / Houston Public Media

Jayne Larkin is no stranger to concrete plants.

Her husband has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, which she believes may have been caused by his time working at these facilities.

Larkin is among several Harris County residents who are opposing a new permit for an existing concrete batch plant near their neighborhoods in the Jersey Village area. She said she feels frustrated every time she drives past the facilities.

“It makes me angry because I know what it does,” she said. “And I know what it’s doing to our children and our grandchildren.”

Heidelberg Materials, which is seeking the permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), said the concrete batch plant has been operating in the area for 20 years. The company is seeking to acquire the plant.

“As part of the purchase of this plant from its current owner, Heidelberg Materials has applied for the air permit in our name so we can operate the plant going forward,” the company said in a statement. “We have followed all required processes to obtain the permit, including participating in a public meeting led by TCEQ. We are not proposing or constructing a new plant on this site.”

Concrete batch plants have faced growing backlash in the greater Houston region, as environmental advocates have raised awareness about potential health impacts and air pollution.

These facilities have been known to emit air pollution linked to heart and lung disease, and environmental organizers have called for greater regulation. Some local leaders have joined efforts to oppose concrete batch plants.

The Harris County Attorney’s Office has called for the TCEQ to deny Heidelberg Materials’ application for a permit to operate the concrete batch plant. In public comment to the TCEQ, the county attorney outlined violations at Heidelberg’s other concrete batch plants, including “unauthorized equipment,” recordkeeping issues, “environmental discharges” and dust buildup.

Harris County has sued Heidelberg over these alleged violations.

“Inspectors have repeatedly documented the same violations at these sites, year after year,” Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne said in a statement. “Harris County is already struggling to meet federal air quality standards for fine particulate matter. Our communities cannot afford to add another source of pollution operated by a company that has shown it won’t follow the rules without a lawsuit.”

The company said the violations “are largely related to procedural and administrative matters and not the result of an environmental incident or discharge.”

“Heidelberg Materials is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner and positively contributing to the local communities where we operate,” the company said in a statement.

Still, several residents in the area said they’re concerned about the potential health effects of living near the plant.

Brady Ware estimates his house is located about “a few football fields” away from the facility.

“This causes asthma, other lung illnesses,” he said. “It permanently creates a heightened risk for cancer.

Ruth Cragg has lived in the area since 2013, and said the plant is about 500 yards from her home.

“What is the point of having a nice community if your air is completely contaminated? It just doesn’t make any sense,” she said.

A spokesperson for the TCEQ said the agency is currently reviewing all public comments that have been submitted as part of the permit review process.