Texas International Fuels hit with cease and desist

HIDALGO, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The city of Hidalgo on Monday sent law enforcement to stop Texas International Fuels from operating.

Residents have complained to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about improper gas handling, dust, and fumes, from the lot spreading to their neighborhoods.

Despite the city sending a cease and desist letter, Texas International Fuels continued operating until code enforcement officers arrived.

City Manager Julian J. Gonzalez explained, “They’re city vehicles, code enforcement vehicles, and fire department. They’re assisting and coordinating the stopping of any activities going on at this point.”

Gonzalez noted that code enforcement officers escorted multiple vehicles off the lot and did not record any hazards in the area, but are still investigating.

Nearby residents like Lucio Villagomez insist on hazards posed by the lot.

“They have a lot of dust since all of the AC panels have started plugging up, the swimming pools you have to change filters every week. When this happens, you can see the solar panels on top of the houses. They’re also not producing, the lights they are supposed to produce,” he said.

Gonzalez explained what would be expected from the company, saying “Either the owner of the property or the owner of the company, one of the two, in most cases, they will see what is the proper use for the property and if they can continue to have a permit, and at that point, the city will determine or evaluate what happens.”

City leaders scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Monday to address residents’ complaints. However, it was canceled after what seemed to be a blackout that hit the city hall hours earlier.

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