Plans to locate a permanent concrete batch plant on Loop 564 and CR 2724 near Mineola have been pulled by Bell Concrete of Sulphur Springs.

The air quality permit requested from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had drawn criticism from area residents, with the planned location on the route to the Mineola Nature Preserve’s main entrance and across the road from a section of the preserve.

The news came in a letter from State Sen. Bryan Hughes, who along with State Rep. Cole Hefner had expressed their concerns about the planned location with company owners, who said they would consider another location after the public raised doubts about the location so near to the preserve.

“Starting this process over will cost Bell Concrete additional money, but they are willing to do this in response to the residents’ concerns,” Hughes’ letter stated. “The owners of Bell Concrete have a long history as great neighbors and corporate citizens, and we look forward to working alongside them as they expand operations to the Mineola area.”

The number of complaints fielded by the TCEQ, in concert with a request from Hefner, had led the state agency to schedule a public meeting on May 4.

“We are thankful that Bell Concrete, Inc. has made the responsible decision to work with the community on this matter,” said Mary Williams, member of the citizens’ group Preserve Mineola, who began a website with information about the permitting process. “We are beyond grateful for everyone – the citizens, city, county and state officials – who came together as a true community to protect this wonderful preserve.” 

According to Hughes’ letter, “As soon as the company owners learned about the objections, they immediately volunteered to withdraw the permit application and to begin looking for a better location for the plant.”

Local leaders have been attempting to assist with relocation prospects, though two recent meetings were postponed.