Proposed Solid Waste Site Spawns Special Commissioners Court [VIDEO]

A special commissioner’s court meeting was called Friday to discuss the proposed solid waste site that is proposed just outside San Felipe’s ETJ on Bartlett Road and Brazos 10 Lane.  For those who are unfamiliar with the proposed solid waste site, an application was filed with the TCEQ November 20, 2015 by Southwaste Disposal, LLC to open a “composting” facility within Austin County. 

The stated purpose of the composting facility is:

“to store, handle, and process regulated waste (grease trap waste/septic/sewage sludge) in order to produce Grade I and II compost. The finished product is intended for use in landscaping, vegetable gardens, and other similar uses.”

The problem with the facility began in part because as of Monday February 8,2016 no one in Austin County was aware of the planned facility.  This includes not only the County Judge’s Office but also the incorporated areas of Sealy, San Felipe, and Brazos Country that are near the proposed facility.  These entities became alarmed when they viewed the company’s application on the TCEQ Website and it stated that:

“It is estimated that the site will receive an average of approximately 72 million tons/cubic yards/gallons per year of liquid feedstock, and have an estimated life of 30 or more years.”

(Southwaste Disposal’s application can be viewed on the TCEQ Website by going HERE.)  Fridays commissioner’s court meeting was mainly one of discussion between the commissioners on the matter.  But, Judge Tim Lapham decided to allow open comments from the public as long as they didn’t get too long and stayed professional.  Representatives from the City of Sealy, City of San Felipe, as well as Brazos Country were all in attendance and each rose and gave their statements in opposition to the facility.

A representative for Southwaste Disposal was on hand at the meeting as well but, only rose to speak and answer questions when Reese Turner, Commissioner Pct. 1 spoke up and asked if there was a representative present.  The representative for Southwaste Disposal stated that the application process with the TCEQ is a lengthy and expensive one.  He went on to say that it was for that reason the application was written with many of the figures being greatly inflated so as to prevent the company from having to apply for a new application as the business grew to take in more matter. He also stated that several of the things on the application would not be brought into the facility.

The meeting concluded with a resolution being passed opposing the facility as it was stated on the TCEQ application.  But, the court did specify that if the application were to be amended removing the objectionable items, as the representative stated were not going to be brought into the facility, that they would be willing to have another meeting and another resolution passed on the matter.  The resolution passed by the commissioner’s court can be viewed by clicking the following link:  Austin County Commissioner’s Court Resolution 2-12-2016.

We have the entire court session on video in its entirety for your viewing convenience below: