Austin's odor problems originate from two landfills that are governed, licensed, and operate under the eye of the TNRCC. No one can say what is causing the stench at the landfills but we know it is emanating from there. What should worry the north side residents of San Antonio is that SA's local BFI landfill has too much in common with the Austin landfill. Both have windblown waste problems. Both are owned and operated by BFI. Both have been cited by the TNRCC for possible violations. Austin's landfills have problems with their lechate collection system and have agreed to enhance their gas collection system. SA's local BFI landfill has been identified as not properly maintaining their gas collection system and of also not keeping records related to the gas collection system. If the approved expansion is realized, SA's local landfill will probably dwarf the Austin landfill making gas collection and lechate control all the more problematic.
Who would be offended by a landfill stench wafting from BFI's Tessman Road Landfill for 5+ miles?
- The SBC Center?
- Windcrest?
- Woodlake Golf Club?
- BAMC?
- School Campuses: Kirby Elementary, Sinclair Elementary, Sam Houston High, School, Davis Middle School, Woodlake Elementary, Hirsch Middle School, Martin Luther King Middle School, Lowell Middle School, Tafolla Middle School
- Alamo Heights?
- Every person who travels I-10 for up to 5 minutes?
- And the potential list goes on...
For residents in the south the picture is a little brighter since San Antonio usually enjoys a southern breeze that would ensure the odor blows northward.
No one can guarantee that SA will experience the same odor problems that Austin is having. Likewise no one can guarantee that SA is safe from such a problem either. As long as there is a mammoth landfill operating in such close proximity to San Antonio and surrounding cities we take our chances.
