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Citizens voice concern over Hornsby Bend mining project

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By Mary Tuma Wednesday, 25 November 2009

AUSTIN — Tensions rose between frustrated residents and representatives of cement supplier Texas Industries during a Nov. 23 Travis County Commissioners Court meeting. Homeowners south of the 969 corridor objected to TXI’s proposed plan to mine more than 1,000 acres in Hornsby Bend for the extraction of sand and gravel.

Among the community’s concerns were air, water and environmental quality, wildlife, reclamation issues, noise, property value, safety and health. The majority of citizens who testified reside in Chaparral Crossing, a residential area across from the proposed sites.

Perhaps igniting the most controversy, the company informed neighborhood residents that they would be forced to share Dunlap Road with more than 700 18-wheeler trucks on a daily basis rather than instituting a conveyor belt method initially proposed during the three public forums held by TXI since May.

Resident Richard Franklin pointed to the proximity of the mining site to Del Valle ISD elementary and middle schools as a threat to safety.

“We are asking Travis County to help us stop something from affecting our quality of life,” he said. “We don’t have the resources or assets to fight big business ourselves.”

Reytex Homes Realtor Carla Bright voiced concern for the surrounding property value and inability to sell in light of excess noise, dust, and health issues.

“I’ve lost several deals already,” she said. “This plan will destroy the ability for low income residents to live in some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Austin.”

The Commissioners Court’s jurisdiction is limited to encompass drainage issues and transportation questions. County Judge Samuel Biscoe described the decision to rule on the permit as agonizing and noted continual rejection from the Texas Legislature when requesting land use authority.

As mines may reach anywhere from 20-40 feet in depth, many citizens feared groundwater contamination. TXI representatives said they were locating wells mapped and registered with the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality and evaluating older wells that might not be registered with TCEQ.

“Through our public meetings several changes to the permit appeared to alleviate many of the issues raised,” said Jeff Roesler, general operations manager of TXI.

TXI intends to return the land back to agricultural use - or future subdivision development - once the mining is complete in 15-20 years.

The court will bring the issue up again next week, or on Dec. 8, contingent upon the amount of additional information received.

Comments

4 Comments



Charlie November 25, 2009 Votes: +0	I believe later in the meeting the 700 truck trips were cleared up to reference trips on FM 969, although Dunlap rd would still receive truck activity. report abuse vote down vote up


Marschall November 25, 2009 Votes: -2	If all big company's took the time,and spent the money that TXI does, we would all benefit from having good neighbors like TXI,as they are truly a class act,and always go the extra mile when safety,or the enviroment is an issue report abuse vote down vote up


Holly November 27, 2009 Votes: +0	As a TXI stockholder, I am concerned that TXI does not currently have the demand for cement that would justify expansion at this time. Many of TXI's cement plants are closed due to the recession. report abuse vote down vote up


Caraly December 02, 2009 Votes: +3	Note that "Marschall" above REPRESENTS TXI, so of course comments favor them. TXI has been consistently fined by TCEQ, EPA, and state environmental quality regulators (so much so, that in TXI's latest investor webcast, they stated CA and other states have been so strict on regulations- aka public safety- that TXI will no longer be seeking permitting/expansion efforts in CA and will focus on Central TX market, where regulations are more favorable to them (aka weak)for air quality/health and carcigen/chromium and groundwater contamintation fines- as recently as March, a huge chromium (aka anyone remember the Erin Brokovitz movie- she and her law firm also speak specifically against TXI operations speaking engagements throughout the country). They are only a "good" neighbor to poorly regulated areas such as Texas, shareholders and corrupt decision makers. Also remember that one of the former top TXI executives is now one of three of our State regulators of them. Sand & gravel is a necessity, but not 500 ft from dense master planned communities where the TXI local rep called all the residents "an experiment." When 'remotely' near residential and school areas, national and state/fed agency studies conclusively have determined their operations have caused toxic environmental and health impacts- so try something new when you can't get the last 37 years, right. Please...go urinate in someone else's sandbox - like your own homes as simoly deadling with any TXI rep makes one want to take a long shower, afterwards, anyway- and anywhere. report abuse vote down vote up