Frequently Asked Questions
You Ask. We Answer.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch and we’ll respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible. Knowledge is power, and we believe in keeping our supporters informed.
Why are we opposed to the J7 Ready Mix cement plant?
We are opposed to the J7 Ready Mix cement plant due to its potential negative impact on the environment, public health, and our community's well-being. Cement plants are known sources of harmful pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, which can cause health problems and environmental damage. We aren't opposed to concrete plants in general, we just disagree with the location of this one.
What specific concerns do we have regarding the cement plant's impact on health and the environment?
The cement plant may release pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO), which can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, acid rain, and contribute to global warming. Our concerns center around the health and safety of our community, particularly vulnerable populations.
What is Green Air Solutions, and what is its role in this fight?
Green Air Solutions is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding our community from harmful environmental and health hazards. Our role involves advocacy, education, and collaboration to prevent the construction of the J7 Ready Mix cement plant.
How can I get involved or support this cause?
There are several ways to get involved:
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Join our mailing list to stay informed about updates and events.
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Volunteer your time and skills to help with our campaigns and initiatives.
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Make a donation to support our efforts and advocacy.
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Spread the word through social media and in your community.
Are there any upcoming events or meetings I can attend?
Check our events page for information on upcoming events, meetings, and community gatherings.
Have you reached out to our local State Representative, David Cook?
Yes, we have. His office is aware of the issues at hand. They have provided a letter requesting a public hearing for both sides and have been actively working with Green Air Solutions every step of the way.
Have you reached out to our state Senator?
Yes, we have. Senator King is aware of the issue.
Have you reached out to the county commissioner, Roy Brooks?
Yes, we have. Mr. Brooks and his office are aware of the situation.
Have you reached out to TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)?
Yes, we have. Right now, this is our best, first option to stop the plant. We were able to get homeowners and residents who live 440 yards away from the plant to request a Contested Case Hearing within the appropriate time frame.
We are currently working to get comments posted on the TCEQ site from homeowners and residents who disagree with the permit being approved.
Have you reached out to Bethesda Water Co-op?
Yes, several people have reached out to them about this. They cannot necessarily deny a permit unless the use would affect others already on the water system. This may be an opportunity to communicate with them about your current water pressure situation as well as any use concerns as it is expected that a concrete batch plant will use approximately one million gallons of water per month.
Was proper notice given by the owners of the plant to the public?
No. The “public notices” did not meet the requirements. One of the public notices was posted in the city of Burleson’s library which is located in Johnson County. The second notice was published in Fort Worth Weekly which circulates in North Tarrant County, not our area.
Could you submit an air quality test to shut down the plant after-the-fact?
This really gets into a legal realm that we can’t definitively answer. As we understand it and as we have been advised, this is almost impossible to achieve. For that reason, we don’t see this is a viable option at this time.
How did you hear about the plant opening?
Local residents who asked about the construction happening on the property were told it would be a diesel mechanic shop. After observing the type of equipment being moved onto the property, nearby residents researched various permitting requests and found that a permit was requested by J7 Ready Mix for a concrete batch plant. Concerns mounted because there were no public notices posted regarding the proposed use, type of business or permits requested anywhere bear the property.
Was proper notice given by the owners of the plant to the public?
Local residents who asked about the construction happening on the property were told it would be a diesel mechanic shop. After observing the type of equipment being moved onto the property, nearby residents researched various permitting requests and found that a permit was requested by J7 Ready Mix for a concrete batch plant. Concerns mounted because there were no public notices posted regarding the proposed use, type of business or permits requested anywhere bear the property.
Have you reached out to TXDOT about the proposed entrance on 1187?
Yes, we have talked with TXDOT and at this time they have not been contacted by J7 in regards to the right away or use of the driveway. TXDOT is watching this closely.
What is the address of the proposed plant?
The current address being used is attached to the Bella’s Ballroom parcel. The land owner is in the process of replatting the property to meet the requirements of the county and TXDOT for use of the 1187 entrance. After the replat is completed, it is expected that they will have a new street address. The current address used is 5426 FM 1187 Burleson, TX 76028.
What is the permit number for the TCEQ permit?
#172856
Has an attorney been hired?
​Yes, we have hired Adam Friedman, who has fought and won battles just like ours. He came highly recommended by our local neighbors on the Mansfield side of Rendon. They successfully stopped the concrete plant a few years ago.
How much money is needed to fight the plant opening?
We don’t yet know what the total will be. At this point, it is anticipated that we will need at least $165,000. One of our local neighbors fronted the initial $5,000 to retain the attorney. We are actively fundraising to come together and meet our goal.
If you’re not able to give financial support, we would love for you to come volunteer your time to help us fundraise. you can sign up on our Volunteers Page.
Has a public meeting been scheduled?
Yes, The Public Hearing will be held on December 11th @Anchora Event Center, LLC, 403 E Broad St, Mansfield, TX 76063. You can see the details and RSVP to the event here on the events page.
Is the school district aware of this?
Yes, Mansfield ISD is aware of what’s happening. They do intend to build a middle school in the old Tarver Rendon location. They also own land off of Little and Rendon Rd. Where they anticipate building a high school in the future. The proposed middle school is within 440 yards of the proposed batch plant. The proposed highschool location is less than 1 mile away.
Are the school board members aware of this?
Yes, the school board members are aware of what’s happening.
Are the local PTAs involved?
The PTA for Tarver Rendon elementary school voted to support our cause. They have created a special committee to head this up and we are working with them to help with community outreach, advocating for this fight.
Have you contacted the Texas Wildlife Commission?
We have not yet been able to document any protected species that this building would affect. If you have knowledge and or documentation of this, please contact us.
Have you contacted the neighboring school districts who have schools nearby?
Yes, we have contacted them. They are not within the 440 yards but are within the affected 5 mile radius.
Is Green Air Solutions a 501(3)c?
Yes, we are registered and acknowledged as a 501(3)c status per the IRS.
Is there a plan in place for what happens to excess funds raised, if they’re not needed?
Yes, as part of the registration process for 501(3)c status, we filed a mission statement. When the mission has been exhausted, the board will vote on either choosing to support another cause that aligns with the mission of our organization or we will note to donate any excess funds to another local 501(3)c that aligns with our mission before dissolving the organization. The IRS requires any donated funds go to a registered charity.
Can I volunteer to help?
YES! We would love for you to get involved. Whatever your skillset is, we have an opening that will suit you! Please click here to sign up to volunteer. Just fill out our Volunteer form.
Are there plans to have other businesses at the plant?
Yes, we have been told that the property would house the concrete batch plant as well as an overnight truck parking that features rooms for overnight stays as well as shower facilities.
Who owns the land that the plant is being built on?
According to Tarrant Countypublic records, Refugio Lopez owns the property. The owner of J7 Ready Mix is his son-in-law.