State backs up stink complaints

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.