BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING LEE CO. COMPOST FACILITY

  

The Brenham City Council unanimously passed a resolution today (Thursday) formally opposing a commercial compost facility seeking to operate in Lee County.

The resolution states that the council has “serious and significant concerns for the health and safety of the citizens of Brenham and other impacted areas”, and that it “strongly opposes” the operation of the facility. 

Councilmembers discussed the matter for roughly an hour in executive session.  They took no action on a companion item to potentially retain environmental legal counsel.

Speaking after the meeting, Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said he understands why facilities like these are necessary, but the potential ramifications of one operating in this proposed location are too great to ignore.

Austin-based company Break It Down LLC seeks to operate the compost facility on land located near Lincoln at Private Road 3264, off of County Road 326. 

Concerns listed in the resolution include the possible environmental effects of contaminants from the facility that would hurt nearby ponds and creeks, notably Yegua Creek, which feeds into Lake Somerville.  The resolution says the facility “may pose a potentially serious threat to the safety and quality of the City of Brenham’s sole source of drinking water supply.”

In addition, the resolution states worries about the odors that could affect air quality, an increase in vermin and pests, damage to roads and other infrastructure due to increased truck and trailer traffic, noise pollution from operating equipment, and interference with nearby rural property owners.  It also cites the company’s previous “inability to comply with the applicable regulations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality”, referencing previous fines the company has received for infractions stemming from nuisance odors at its facility off of FM 969 in Austin.

The council’s resolution follows one passed by Lee County Commissioners Court last week in opposition to the facility.  It comes before one that Washington County Commissioners will consider on Monday.   

Also on Thursday, the council:

• Voted to re-adopt guidelines and criteria for granting tax phase-in in a city reinvestment zone, following a public hearing with no comments from the public.
• Approved a new fee schedule for the Parks and Recreation Department.  Public Works Director Dane Rau said the only new rate being added is a $20 fee per player for an adult soccer league that will have an extended season, running from January to November.  The league will use Hohlt Park and move over to Jackson Street Park in the fall. 
• Purchased six Chevrolet Tahoes for the Brenham Police Department through The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS).  The purchase is through TIPS vendor Lake Country Chevrolet for $329,937, not including equipment installation. 
• Approved a utility extension for water, wastewater and gas services between the city and TxDOT for the extension of utility services to TxDOT’s proposed new area office at 4350 Highway 36 South, outside of city limits.
• Accepted a bid for the lease of approximately 301.50 acres of land for hay production at the old landfill property located at 2080 Old Navasota Road, the Brenham Business Center and Southwest Industrial Park.  The winning bid is from Dustin Majewski for $48.48 per acre for the 103.65 acres on Old Navasota Road, $10 per acre for the 77.99 acres in the Brenham Business Center, and $32.32 per acre for the 119.86 acres in the Southwest Industrial Park.
• Approved a contract for participation in the city’s rotation log for non-consent tows.
• Held executive session discussion to consult with an attorney on matters concerning the Brenham Municipal Airport, its operations and services. No action was taken.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.