Conroe Council Urged to Revoke Blackfin Compressor Station Permits for Public Safety

The Conroe City Council held a special meeting on August 26, 2025, to address pressing community concerns, particularly regarding the Blackfin compressor station project located on Interstate 45. The meeting featured public comments that underscored significant safety and environmental issues tied to the facility.

The session began with a passionate plea from a resident, Mr. Williams, who urged the council to take immediate action to revoke Blackfin's permits. He emphasized the need for the council to protect the community by relocating the project to a more suitable industrial area, away from residential neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.

Following Mr. Williams, Mr. Ataya presented his concerns about public safety during potential hurricane evacuations. He recounted his experience during Hurricane Rita in 2005, highlighting the chaos and dangers of mass evacuations. He warned that if an incident were to occur at the Blackfin compressor station during a similar evacuation, it could lead to catastrophic consequences for not only Conroe but also surrounding counties. Mr. Ataya called for a coordinated response involving regional leaders, including officials from Galveston and Harris counties, to address the potential risks.

Additionally, Mr. Ataya raised questions about the firefighting capabilities in place to manage a potential industrial accident at the compressor station. He sought clarity on whether Blackfin has its own fire protection plan and trained personnel or if the responsibility would fall on the Conroe Fire Department.

The meeting also touched on legal issues concerning water management in the area, with a resident expressing concerns about ongoing injunctions related to water issues affecting local schools. This highlighted the need for the city to ensure that such problems are resolved to prevent future complications.

Overall, the meeting reflected a community deeply concerned about safety and environmental impacts associated with the Blackfin compressor station. The council's response to these concerns and any subsequent actions will be closely monitored by residents as they seek to safeguard their community.