Brady Urges Federal Agencies to Cancel Spring-Cypress Landfill Approvals

United States Congressman Kevin Brady has asked two federal agencies to rescind their previous approval of the proposed Spring-Cypress landfill in north Harris County. In separate letters to the heads of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Aviation Agency, Rep. Brady disputed information submitted previously by the landfill developer to gain flood plain revisions and a waiver of airport distance requirements.

"There is evidence that fill was placed at the landfill site in order to raise portions of the site above the flood plain elevation. I've requested that FEMA suspend its previous determination of site acceptability and investigate this serious matter immediately," said Brady.

In December 1995, based upon information provided by landfill applicant BMFS, Inc., FEMA cleared the way for the removal of approximately 12 acres from the designated flood plain, thus benefitting the landfill construction plan.

The first term congressman is also urging the Federal Aviation Agency to rescind their earlier waiver of air safety distance regulations. The FAA's previous "no potential/no objection" determination was based on an assumption that landfill operations would proceed in a sanitary manner, with no fires or food waste of any kind being admitted.

"The proposed landfill would be located on the extended centerline of the primary and secondary runways at David Wayne Hooks Airport, creating a very real potential for unsafe flight conditions," Brady wrote to FAA acting administrator Barry Valentine. "Despite assurances to the contrary, fires do occur at such landfills. With a prevailing wind, smoke from such a fire would blow directly over all three of the runways as well as the departure paths, jeopardizing safety and aircraft operations at the airport."

Rep. Brady has been working with lawyers for the Spring-Cypress Landfill Coalition and local officials to fight the landfill application. Opposing the landfill are state Representatives Peggy Hamric and Paul Hilbert, state Senator Jon Lindsay, and Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole.

Ultimately, the permits will be granted or rejected by the Texas Natural Resources and Conservation Commission. Congressman Brady has focused his efforts on reversing earlier federal decisions the state will consider during the application process.

"The proposed site for the landfill is clearly unacceptable. My goal is to make sure that federal agencies are not waiving regulations which safeguard our community and that Texas regulators do not mistakenly view the federal government as approving this site," stated Brady.

The Type IV landfill is proposed for a site near the intersection of Spring-Cypress and Valka Road, just west of Stuebner Airline.