City orders chemical tests near school

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The City of Austin has ordered an intensive round of tests for an East Austin manufacturing site right next to an elementary school. The city's health director is concerned about Pure Castings, Inc. Pure Castings produces molds and castings for industrial businesses. Residents and community activists in the area are lobbying the city to have the facility relocated, because of concerns about dust and particulate matter in the air. The facility is directly across the street from Zavala Elementary School.

David Lurie, director of the Austin Travis County Health and Human Services Department wrote a letter to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Friday asking the commission to investigate specific air quality concerns including chemicals in the air like chromium, nickel and iron. Lurie also asked for tests to monitor hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide in the area.

The owner of Pure Castings. said he received no notification of the call for additional testing. "We've been there for 40 years," said owner Andy Edgerton. "Is there an issue? If there's an issue tell me about it."

TCEQ Spokeswoman Andrea Morrow said the commission is aware of concerns regarding Pure Castings. Inspectors have investigated four complaints at the company's headquarters since August 2007, records show, though none have turned into violations. "We have found no nuisance violations regarding these issues," Morrow said in an emailed statement.

Paige DeShong is one of those that complained to the TCEQ about Pure Castings. "I know I've had problems," she said. DeShong lives directly across the street from the Pure Castings loading dock. "I know if we're outside my five-year-old son has breathing problems. I know I talk to the parents at Zavala, their children have problems."

Henry Vasquez said the healthy oranges from his tree are evidence Pure Castings has been a good neighbor. "Nothing wrong with them," he said as he bit into the orange. Vasquez said those moving into the community are making too big a deal of a situation they've lived with for years. "It hasn't affected any of our kids," he said.

Community activists with PODER , or People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources, have protested demonstrated in front of the facility this summer. "We really need to relocate this facility," said PODER Co-Director Susana Almanza. She said her organization is lobbying the City's bond committee to explore the option of buying out the Pure Castings facility to use for affordable housing. "It's going to take all of Austin to say, 'You know what, we've got to protect the health of all children no matter what color they are, no matter what is there income,'" Almanza said. Travis County Appraisal District records show the property is valued at more than $465,000.

Edgerton said he does not have enough money to move the facility. "If they had the money, I'd be glad to move," he said. "It would probably be one of the best things that ever happened to it." Almanza said PODER would protest in front of City Hall in December to let city council members know their concerns. "We're talking about little children," she said. "And children should not be exposed to chemicals." TCEQ Spokeswoman Andrea Morrow said TCEQ plans to monitor the site once again for air quality concerns in the "near future."