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Gulf Coast Growth Ventures highlights safety, environmental monitoring and community grants as site manager retires
Summary
Paul Fritsch, outgoing site manager for Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, told San Patricio County commissioners the plant logged another year with zero OSHA recordables, described independent air monitoring showing no change in local air quality, summarized water‑reuse projects that cut use by about 500,000 gallons per day, and introduced incoming site manager Ed Caputo.
Paul Fritsch, outgoing president and site manager for Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, told San Patricio County commissioners that the plant completed its fourth year of operations with strong safety and community metrics.
Fritsch said the site recorded a second consecutive year with zero OSHA recordable injuries and has not had a lost‑time injury in several years. He said independent environmental monitoring—three EPA‑quality air analyzers maintained by the University of Texas—showed no change in air quality through the first three quarters of monitoring data, with the university preparing the final report for distribution to the community.
On water, Fritsch said the company installed two recycling projects in 2025 that together reduced its water use by about 500,000 gallons per day, a significant share of the plant’s typical 13 million gallons per day usage. He described ongoing internal efforts to find further efficiencies and urged regional collaboration among the seven counties that share the same water sources.
Fritsch outlined outreach and philanthropy, saying Gulf Coast Growth Ventures had secured about $750,000 in grants targeted at science‑technology‑engineering‑math (STEM) education and about $200,000 in healthcare‑related funding to support local programs. He highlighted workforce training and youth programs that have reached nearly 100 kids through hands‑on training and credited local staff for securing foundation support.
Fritsch introduced Ed Caputo as his successor and recommended county officials work with Caputo and the plant’s public‑affairs staff, including Callie Walker and Bobby Rodriguez, on future community initiatives. Caputo said he looks forward to working with county leaders and continuing the plant’s engagement.
The update closed with commissioners thanking Fritsch for years of service and expressing support for the company’s community programs and monitoring efforts. Fritsch said he will retire this week and expects to remain engaged in the area.
The county did not take formal action on the presentation; commissioners asked staff to review the forthcoming environmental report when it is distributed.
