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Conroe hires petrochemical consultant for Olean Americas site review; council approves $70,000 scope
Summary
Council approved hiring Thornton Tomasetti to perform a code/compliance gap analysis and initial site evaluation for a proposed Olean Americas blending and distribution expansion; council sought clearer scope limits and asked for a cost estimate for any phase 2 work before proceeding.
Conroe city staff told the council Jan. 22 that the city has suspended the facility's permit and solicited professional help to evaluate an industrial blending proposal in the CIDC park. Staff recommended Thornton Tomasetti, a firm with petrochemical experience, for a phase 1 document review and gap analysis not to exceed $70,000.
The contract as described by staff would cover code compliance, site-evaluation checklists, and a high-level gap analysis based on documents provided by the company. City and public commenters stressed that phase 1 should include a general arrangement drawing and a process overview to help the review team identify safety and permit gaps. Thornton Tomasetti would then propose a scope for a more detailed phase 2 technical review if needed; that follow-on fee was not specified at the Jan. 22 meeting.
Council discussion emphasized the need for clarity on likely phase-2 costs and for coordination between city engineering, the fire marshal and the CIDC. Councilmembers asked CIDC member Nick Bonas, who has industrial experience, to participate as an additional set of eyes and to coordinate with staff. Council approved the recommended firm and scope for the initial review and instructed staff to return with clearer cost estimates for future phases if required.
Why it matters: the project involves industrial-scale blending and distribution of chemicals; staff said the facility had been operating without full permitting and that a rigorous, technical review would help assess hazard profiles, delivery and storage risks, and code/permit compliance before any new approvals are granted.
Next steps: Thornton Tomasetti will begin document review and gap analysis; staff will report any findings and recommendations for phase-2 work and possible ordinance or permit changes to council.
