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Probe cites illegal discharge, emissions, odor
Residents between Elgin and Bastrop for years have battled foul odors they say are coming from a local refinery, and now state regulators are getting involved — again.
A new investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has confirmed nuisance odors, unauthorized wastewater discharges and harmful hydrogen sulfide emissions at the Darling Ingredients plant along FM 2336 in Bastrop. TCEQ referred the refinery back to its enforcement division with the new findings and nearly 500 resident complaints filed since July.
The move marks the second active enforcement action against the company in less than two years.
“It really feels like we’ve been gaslighted,” said Michael Matthew, a member of Stop the Stink Bastrop, a coalition of residents, businesses and officials. “We’re finally getting acknowledged — you’re not crazy, this is a real thing.”
Matthew, who lives six miles from the plant, said the smell has disrupted the daily lives of residents for years, describing it as “festering dog vomit on fire.”
“If my neighbor was outside burning tires, I would actually go over there and thank them because I didn’t have to smell Darling Ingredients anymore. It’s that bad,” he said.
Darling is already facing penalties under a state order for 2024 air-quality violations. The newly confirmed issues — seven violations in total — could lead to additional penalties for breaking that agreement.
TCEQ’s latest investigation also found the facility discharged wastewater into Piney Creek on multiple occasions, an issue not included in prior enforcement action. “That puts them in big trouble. There’s absolutely pollution that’s going on,” Matthew said. “Darling Ingredients is not being a good neighbor.”
In a statement, Darling Ingredients said it is cooperating with regulators and continuing facility upgrades.
“Darling Ingredients is working with TCEQ and will respond through the agency’s established process,” said Jillian Fleming, director of global communications. “In the meantime, we are continuing to work on upgrades to our Bastrop facility, which will optimize performance for the benefit of the local community.”
Fleming encouraged residents to continue submitting reports through the company’s public portal at darlingii.com/ Bastrop.
However, Stop the Stink Bastrop leaders say filing complaints directly through TCEQ remains the only avenue for meaningful accountability. The group plans to continue mobilizing residents as the case moves through the commission’s enforcement pipeline, which could take months.
“TCEQ is our Obi-Wan Kenobi in this situation — they’re literally our only hope,” Matthew said. “This has been part of my life for 15 years. I want to educate our neighbors, the public, and what they can do about it, because it has actually made a difference.”
TCEQ reports and odor complaints can be sent to [email protected]. gov.
