Submitted by Chanel Richbourg, Environmental Chair

Our City Council District C Office notified TMCC of an upcoming asbestos cleanup effort starting August 16, 2021. The EPA recently sent out a one-pager to 200+ residents and businesses within the vicinity of the clean-up site for full transparency.

The cleanup will involve the removal of approximately 28,000 tons of asbestos-contaminated soil as well as abatement of asbestos-dust from two structures located on and near the Vermiculite Products Inc. facility located at 3025 Maxroy Street in Houston. The cleanup to be conducted by EPA will require up to 5 months to complete. This cleanup action is being conducted by the EPA due to the fact that the asbestos in the soils and the two onsite structures pose a potential risk to the health of nearby residents as well as onsite workers. Given the rapid conversion of industrial/commercial properties to residential properties in this area of Houston, the EPA is taking into account the potential risk to future residents that will likely live on the property to be cleaned up.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the asbestos cleanup announcement, please reach out to the EPA contacts below:

Ed Mekeel III
Senior Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA, Region 6
(214) 665-2252
mekeel.edward@epa.gov

Mike McAteer
Federal On-Scene Coordinator, U.S. EPA, Region 6
(214) 665-7157
mcateer.mike@epa.gov