AUSTIN CO. OFFICIALS OPPOSE NEW WASTE FACILITY

  

Austin County residents and many officials are voicing opposition to a proposed new municipal solid waste facility.

That facility would be located between Sealy and San Felipe, near the intersections of Bartlett Road and Brazos 10 Lane near Interstate 10.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality received the application from SouthWaste Disposal, LLC. of Austin, back on Nov. 16.

A letter was sent to County Judge Tim Lapham on Dec. 11 from Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering firm representing SouthWaste — it was the first notification anyone in the county received.

Numerous county officials and those directly impacted by the facility have stated they are opposed to SouthWaste Disposal’s operation within the county.

Austin County Commissioners have unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to the facility.

Mike Hicks, the landowner who’s selling 32 acres to SouthWaste, said the county commissioners have made declarations before they understand the facility’s process. He said any future development in the immediate area is designated for industry and housing subdivisions won’t surround the facility, as many are arguing.

The permit filed with TCEQ would allow SouthWaste Disposal to construct a Sealy Composting Facility to compost grease trap waste, septic, sewage and sludge, dairy and food including meat and fish, and bulk material like chipped and shredded wood and vegetation.