The city of Conroe has suspended operations at a petrochemical blending plant in Conroe Park North after determining the company expanded its facility without proper permits. City officials hired an engineering firm to review the plant’s operations and chemical hazards.
City officials announced the suspension of operations at a petrochemical blending facility located in the Conroe Park North Industrial Park. The decision follows the discovery that the company expanded its site without securing the necessary permits.
The Conroe City Council took a significant step on Thursday by approving a contract with Houston-based Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. The agreement, valued at up to $70,000, is intended to facilitate an independent review of documents and plans submitted by Oleon, a Belgium-based company that owns the facility.
In 2023, Oleon successfully completed the acquisition of the property located at 701 Conroe Park West Drive. The company focuses on transforming natural fats and oils into a range of oleochemical products. These offerings include fatty acids, glycerin, esters, technical oils, specialty oleochemicals, and biodiesel, as detailed on its website.
Norm McGuire, the assistant city administrator and director of public works in Conroe, emphasized the need for the city to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the facility's operations and associated risks before permitting any activities to resume.
“The specifics of their actions, the nature of their chemicals, and the associated hazards remain unclear,” McGuire stated. “It is essential that we uncover the truth in due time.”
Thornton Tomasetti is set to deliver a thorough evaluation of Oleon’s processes, chemical management, and safety protocols, as outlined by McGuire. City officials announced that the upcoming review will assess the facility's ability to operate safely and adhere to local regulations.
Officials at Oleon were unavailable for immediate comment.
In a news release issued in June 2023, Oleon announced that the Conroe location would function as a central hub for its industrial operations within the region. In July 2023, the facility celebrated its grand opening, at which company officials announced a significant initial investment of $55 million in its inaugural industrial production site in North America. They also detailed plans for future expansion, including establishing an esterification plant.
City officials announced that the expansion occurred without the necessary permits, prompting the suspension of operations and a decision to enlist outside experts for further evaluation.
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