HOUSTON – Living next to a plant can sometimes be a nuisance to residents.
Whether it’s noise, odors, traffic and air contaminants, KPRC 2 has received several complaints from Houston-area residents who have issues living next to these facilities.
Those looking to share the concerns they have about the exploration, production and transportation of oil and natural gas can contact the Railroad Commission of Texas.
According to RRC’s website, the Field Operations section of the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Oil & Gas Division is responsible for conducting investigations of these complaints that are within the commission’s authority and jurisdiction.
Here is how you can file a complaint based on the issue(s) you are having:
Dust: Dust from public roads should be addressed by local law enforcement.
Noise: RRC has no statutory authority over noise or nuisance-related issues. Noise and nuisance-related issues are governed by local ordinances. For more information on local ordinances, the railroad commission advises you to visit the Texas Online portal for links to cities and counties in Texas.
Odors and Air Contaminants: RRC says it does not have regulatory authority over odors or air contaminants. However, for a well within the city limits, the city may enact ordinances regarding odors or other nuisances. In addition, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has jurisdiction over odor and air contaminants, the website said.
In general, TCEQ can help if you:
See water that may be polluted. See or smell something unpleasant in the outside air. See land that may be contaminated. Have problems with your drinking water. Have information or evidence about an environmental problem. Have problems with an individual or company licensed or registered by TCEQ.Need more information about a possible pollution source, including permitting status. In some cases, TCEQ may not be the appropriate agency to assist you. For a list of some of those situations, please the section “What problems fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies” on this page.
According to TCEQ, complaints concerning odors associated with oil and natural gas activities require an expedited response if the agency has substantiated odor nuisance conditions in the previous 12 months at the alleged source of the complaint. In this instance, an on-site investigation will be conducted by regional staff within one working day of receipt of the complaint by the TCEQ regional office. All other oil and natural gas-related complaints within TCEQ jurisdiction will reportedly be prioritized and investigated in accordance with the Field Operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Other agencies that you can call about air pollution include:
Galveston- County Air and Water Pollution Services • 409-938-2251 Houston- Bureau of Pollution Control and Prevention • 832-393-5730 Harris County- Pollution Control Services Department • 713-920-2831There may be other situations when the jurisdiction is limited. In those cases, TCEQ’s regional office may direct you to another agency that can address your concerns.
For all areas of the state, to submit a complaint you can:
Call toll-free at (888) 777-3186, or E-mail TCEQ at cmplaint@tceq.texas.govTraffic: Traffic complaints can be reported to the local law enforcement agency.
To submit a complaint, contact the appropriate RRC Oil & Gas District Office.
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