EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — City representatives listened to and discussed proposed solutions for hazards and environmental risks in the South-Central El Paso area during the City Council’s work session on Monday, Oct. 7.
The city officials addressed public health concerns for Chamizal residents after a large fire broke out on May 28 at PCM International Inc., a recycling plant on the 1600 block of Paisano.
A cross-functional team was created shortly after that includes the El Paso Fire Department, the Planning and Inspections Department, Economic Development team and city attorney. The team was tasked on June 11 with collaborating with impacted property owners and the neighborhood to come up with recommendations for remediation to be presented within 120 days.
EPFD recommended several short- and long-term goals for the City to consider, starting with permit realignment.
“There’s no denying that there’s impacts to the neighborhoods because of the combustion byproducts as a result of the fires. We’ve looked at the current permitting for these facilities and because of the impact, the size of the fires that can occur at these facilities, we’re going to be realigning them from one permit to another,” Assistant Fire Chief Robert Arvizu said.
At this time, PCM International operates under a “miscellaneous combustible storage” permit but will be moved to an “outside storage of combustible materials” permit to help prevent fires at the facility, City officials said.
Under the OSCOM permit, materials will have to be kept 20 feet from the property line, can only reach 12 feet in height and must have a 20-foot buffer zone between units and barriers. A barrier is also needed around the storage area and there are stricter requirements for loose materials under the permit. Failure to comply with the permit will result in a fine of $2,000 a day and revocation of the permit for one year, according to the presentation made to the City Council.
Other short-term recommendations include increasing the frequency of site inspections of industrial facilities, working with residents and businesses to identify health concerns, and encouraging businesses to modernize their operations.
“As it applies to businesses, trying to identify ways we can modernize businesses that are operating in the area, find better ways of doing the business they can so if they have any impacts in the community it’s reduced,” Arvizu said.
Long-term recommendations include investment and coordinating efforts. According to the proposal, it would involve environmental mitigation efforts that include installing more green spaces.
The plan also recommends coordinating with the railroad to address rail impacts on the environment and coordinating with TxDOT for future roadway plans to address congestion and delays.
“It’s very disappointing that it took such a terrible disaster for the City to finally look into those concerns. This is one small step forward, but we want to make sure that they do everything they can to really address the concerns of the community,” said Celia Aguilar, a community organizer with Familias Unidas del Chamizal.
Familias Unidas del Chamizal has worked to educate and call attention to the environmental hazards and public health risks residents in the Chamizal area face.
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