x
Breaking News
More () »

State officials call for public meeting to address concerns over East Austin landfill

Residents in the area have reported numerous issues with the landfill, including persistent odors, illness and inability to spend time outdoors.

AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: The video published above details reports from October 2019 about Austin's trash fees going up.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will host a public meeting Thursday, Feb. 6, to discuss an application submitted by Waste Management, requesting construction and operation of a transfer station onsite at the Austin Community Landfill. 

The landfill is located at 9900 Giles Lane in East Austin, and within just one mile of the site, there are over 2,400 residences, 60 businesses and numerous parks and community centers, according to state representatives. Residents in the area have reported numerous issues with the landfill.

RELATED: Austin residents will see a larger trash collection bill

Sen. Kirk Watson, Rep. Celia Israel, Rep. Sheryl Cole, Travis County Commissioners Jeff Travillion and Brigid Shea, and Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison released the following statement:

“For decades, the Austin Community Landfill has been a challenging neighbor in a rapidly growing region of Austin. Nearby residents have reported persistent odors, illness and inability to spend time outdoors.

As representatives of the region, we share serious concerns over what Waste Management’s application could mean for East Austin in the coming years. Residential and business development has been exponential since the landfill began operations 40 years ago, and continued activity is simply incompatible with today’s Austin.”

Causes event by Texas Campaign for the Environment on Thursday, February 6 2020

Officials said while the landfill itself is expected to reach maximum capacity and close in the coming years, development of a transfer station would allow Waste Management, for the indefinite future, to conduct daily transfer of municipal solid waste at the landfill before shipment to alternate sites.  

According to Waste Management’s estimates, the transfer station would receive over 669,000 tons of waste each year and is estimated to create over 1,100 vehicle trips to and from the site each day. 

The TCEQ public meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at Bluebonnet Trail Elementary, located at 11316 Farmhaven Road.

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING

Mother shot through Austin apartment door with kids nearby; police seeking suspect

Arctic air arrives in Central Texas Tuesday evening

Burned Round Rock toddler one of hundreds hurt by recalled coffee machine

UIL has announced its realignment for 2020-22. Here's how Texas high school teams were grouped

Before You Leave, Check This Out