We, the undersigned residents of Melissa, Texas, are petitioning the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Attorney General of Texas, and relevant stakeholders to address the detrimental impacts of a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) feedlot situated near residential areas and schools. This petition outlines the significant health, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns associated with the CAFO’s proximity to our community and urges its relocation to safeguard residents’ well-being.

1. Background and Location Concerns
The CAFO feedlot in question is positioned alarmingly close to residential neighborhoods and several educational institutions in Melissa, including:

• Sumeer Elementary School
• Harry McKillop Elementary School
• Melissa Middle School
• Melissa High School

The feedlot’s presence near these schools and densely populated residential areas potentially poses serious risks to public health, particularly impacting children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
The CAFO’s location raises concerns under existing local and federal regulations, including:

Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 321: Mandates proper management of CAFOs to prevent public nuisances such as odor and pollution.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 5, Subtitle C: Requires CAFOs to operate without jeopardizing public health mainly being a source of severe odor.

EPA Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act: Enforce regulations to prevent air and water contamination from CAFO emissions.

The CAFO’s current proximity to residential areas and schools risks non-compliance with these legal requirements, potentially violating air and water safety standards. The odor is a nuisance. 

3. Impact on Community Health and Well-Being
The CAFO feedlot can adversely affects residents’ quality of life and health:

Odor Pollution: The pervasive and intense odor from decomposing waste impedes outdoor activities and affects indoor air quality, leading to discomfort and disrupted daily life.

Respiratory Issues: Pollutants like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide can contribute to respiratory problems, especially in children and senior citizens who are more susceptible to these conditions.

Health and Cognitive Effects in Children: Prolonged exposure to pollutants can hinder cognitive performance, cause headaches, and may lead to increase absenteeism in schools due to health issues.

Mental Health and Stress: Constant exposure to odors and health concerns can create stress and anxiety among residents, affecting mental well-being and quality of life.

4. Unique Challenges for Senior Citizens
Senior residents potentially face additional vulnerabilities:

Heightened Sensitivity: Older adults with weakened immune systems and pre-existing conditions such as COPD are more susceptible to air pollutants, exacerbating health issues.

Reduced Outdoor Activities: The odor deters outdoor activities, crucial for maintaining physical health and social interaction, leading to isolation and mental health decline.

5. Economic and Environmental Implications
Property Values: The proximity of the CAFO can lead to decreased property values, making it difficult for homeowners to sell or attract potential buyers.

Medical Costs: Health issues related to CAFO emissions may result in increased medical expenses, especially burdensome for residents on fixed incomes, such as senior citizens.

Water and Soil Pollution: Runoff and waste management issues can potentially contribute to environmental degradation, violating the Texas Water Code, Chapter 26, which mandates water quality protection.

6. Urban Planning Oversight
The allowance for residential zoning and school development in close proximity to a CAFO indicates a lapse in urban planning.

The Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 211, empowers cities to regulate land use for public welfare, yet this principle appears to have been overlooked in Collin county’s planning.

7. Recommendations for Relocation
We urge the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Attorney General of Texas, and relevant authorities to:

Relocate the CAFO: Move the operation to an area that does not pose odor nuisance and potentially other risks to residential neighborhoods or schools.
Review Urban Planning Policies: Ensure that future developments prioritize public health and environmental safety, creating appropriate buffer zones between industrial agricultural sites and residential areas.

8. Conclusion
The relocation of the CAFO feedlot is essential to safeguard the health and well-being of Melissa’s residents, improve community welfare, and ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards. By addressing this pressing issue, the state and local authorities will demonstrate a commitment to upholding the health, safety, and quality of life of Melissa’s citizens.

Sincerely,
Residents of Melissa, Texas