On my way to drop off my fiancé at the airport at 5 AM, we bickered about the overwhelming stench in the air. I blamed him for leaving the trash at the front door, and then reminded him the dog poop in the backyard (that he said he had picked up) was probably still there. As we exited the driveway, I realized the smell didn’t end there. I gave him his well warranted apology (which he enjoyed way too much). Then I started thinking perhaps our neighbor’s septic tank had an issue, or maybe there was a gas/propane leak somewhere in the neighborhood. It was an awful rotten egg smell. I was nauseous with in minutes as we drove through the neighborhood, windows down, genuinely concerned! 

I arrived home and posted my concern on Nextdoor — only to find this is not unique to me and my neighborhood. The winds were not in my favor and brought something much more rancid to my front door from DAR PRO Solutions. Air POLLUTION.

DAR PRO Solutions in Bastrop, Texas, is a division of Darling Ingredients, one of the largest profiting recyclers of waste products from the food industry in North America. DAR PRO focuses on collecting and “recycling” used old cooking oil, remains of the grease traps, and inedible meat by-products. Their business takes away the unwanted items from restaurants, food processors, and industrial kitchens and turn these waste materials into profitable products.

THE PROBLEM:

Breathing in the waste products from used cooking oil and inedible meat by-products can pose several health risks, especially if these materials are improperly handled or burned. Some of the potential hazards include:

1. **Airborne Particulates**: When used cooking oil and meat by-products are heated or burned, they can release fine particulate matter (PM) into the air. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases.

2. **Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)**: The heating or degradation of oils and fats can release VOCs, which are harmful chemicals that can cause headaches, nausea, and eye or throat irritation. Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can be more severe, potentially causing damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

3. **Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)**: When oils and fats are burned or become excessively heated, they can release PAHs, which are chemicals linked to cancer. Inhalation of PAHs over extended periods has been associated with lung cancer and other respiratory issues.

4. **Grease Vapors**: The breakdown of used cooking oil during high-heat processes can release grease vapors that contain harmful compounds. Prolonged exposure to these can contribute to respiratory problems and may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

In environments where these waste products are improperly handled or incinerated, protective measures such as proper ventilation, respiratory protection, and regulated waste disposal protocols are essential to minimizing health risks.

The Bastrop County, it’s Commissioners, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must act now and enforce shorter deadlines to bring DAR PRO's operations up to code. Our families, pets, and our very lives are at risk every day as we endure the foul odors and potential health hazards released into our community. Clean air is a basic right, and we deserve to step outside without fear of being exposed to pollutants. It's unacceptable that our health and liberties are being compromised for corporate profits. We demand immediate action to protect the well-being of our community (families, pets,  livestock, and wildlife)—because our health is not for sale.

We do so much to care for the Houston Toad in Bastrop. How can we resolve this for the People of Bastrop?

☣️Please sign and SHARE with friends and family, near and far.☣️ Let’s not wait to act until Bastrop, TX becomes the next Flint, MI.

Thank you for caring. 

#StopTheStinkBastrop 
#DontMessWithBastrop