Senate Bill 208, filed by republican Texas state senator Donna Campbell (District 25), would double setbacks for aggregates facilities in the state, according to a report by the DailyTrib.com.
The report explained that the bill would increase the current buffer zone of 440 yards between concrete plants or quarries and existing residences, schools and churches to 880 yards.
In a media release, Campbell said: “As a Hill Country resident, I share my neighbours’ deep desire to preserve our natural resources while managing growth vital to the community. This bill will add valuable protections for families that will enhance our quality of life and ensure the health and safety of our children.”
This bill is said to be one of several pieces of legislation that Campbell intends to file during the 86th Texas Legislature “to improve accountability and monitoring of aggregate facilities, concrete plants, and quarries as they operate closer to neighborhoods and schools in unincorporated areas of Texas counties.”
If the bill goes ahead, it only applies to applications made on or the date that the bill goes into effect.
