Blue Ridge Landfill - DA’s office can join landfill dealings
DA’s office can join landfill dealings
Published January 19, 2007
ANGLETON — The projected expansion of the Blue Ridge Landfill in Fort Bend County just received another voice at the table.
Brazoria County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution during their meeting Thursday granting the district attorney’s office permission to participate in proceedings regarding the proposed expansion of the landfill. The facility, located along the Fort Bend-Brazoria County line west of Pearland, almost would triple in size if the expansion proceeds.
The county approved a resolution during its last meeting to oppose the expansion.
“They’re doubling their surface,” said Mary Shine, assistant district attorney in the civil division.
The proposed expansion includes an increase of surface from the current 302 acres to 784 acres and an increase in the height of the landfill from 56 feet to 170 feet, Shine said.
The county opposes the expansion because it could strain highways in the area and add to congestion.
“If we could obtain some concessions, it behooves us to be involved,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Mary Ruth Rhodenbaugh.
Pearland City Council already has announced its opposition to the proposed expansion because of fears of contamination to its water supply, Shine said. The proposed enlargement of the site, would go on both sides of the American Canal, which Pearland uses for water.
Commissioners passed both resolutions without communication with Allied Waste Industries, which owns and operates the site, a company spokesman said.
In an e-mail, spokesman Raymond Franks said the company would be happy to discuss the projected expansion with anyone who has concerns.
“Allied Waste is open to working out any type of agreement that is practical and reasonable for both parties,” he said. “The resolution was passed without any discussions between the two parties, but we welcome any conversations between Allied Waste and Brazoria County.”
As for potential contamination in the American Canal, Franks said in the e-mail there is little chance that will happen.
“Since the expansion will have no impact on the American Canal, we cannot envision any type of concession that will be necessary, but we are always available to discuss any issues of concern with any governmental agency,” the e-mail read.
The landfill was opened in 2000 and can operate under its current permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for another 13 years. With the projected expansion, the site would be able to operate for 40 years.
Officials with Fort Bend County and Missouri City already have approved the projected expansion, Shine said.
The last public hearing by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on the proposal was Dec. 7. The commission has 60 days from that day to respond to the 148 public comments it has received.
John Tompkins covers Brazoria County commissioners for The Facts. Contact him at (979) 849-8581.
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