Owner-led cleanup efforts begin at eastside illegal dump location

Published on July 20, 2024

Resident concerns initially led to the discovery of a very large illegal dump site in a heavily vegetated area off of Randol Mill Road in east Fort Worth. Following an extensive investigation process, the City of Fort Worth is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure property owners remove the dumped materials from the site.

"It is so important that neighbors take ownership of their communities," said Mayor Pro Tem Gyna M. Bivens, who represents the eastside neighborhood where the dump was discovered. "One nearby property owner saw something that looked questionable on this property just east of the roundabout. What we found was the making of a monument to blight. We found tires and other items that still need to be hauled away. Thanks to the diligence of nearby neighbors, we are finally able to see a solution in sight to this situation."

City News sat down with Environmental Services Director Cody Whittenburg to learn the latest:

Q. Can you describe the magnitude of the dump?

A. Exact quantities are difficult to estimate because materials are partially buried and vegetation is dense. TCEQ investigations from April 12, 2024, suggested over 7,000 cubic yards of solid waste were observed, including an estimate of approximately 1,300 tires. City of Fort Worth investigators estimate around 2,000 cubic yards remain onsite, which is about 250 standard dump trucks.

Q. What are the next steps in the cleanup?

A. At this time, the property owners are leading the cleanup efforts and are responsible for hiring a cleanup company, disposing of materials properly, documenting disposal, and sending appropriate documentation to TCEQ and the City. Following a lengthy investigation and enforcement process, cleanup efforts began on June 25, 2024, with 51 tons of shingles removed from the site. Some illegally-dumped materials which have been buried will need to be excavated for disposal. Property owners will advise the City on timelines for continued cleanup.

Q. Which City of Fort Worth departments are involved in the cleanup?

A. TCEQ is the lead agency for enforcement at this location at this time. Several City of Fort Worth Departments have assisted TCEQ and will continue to support communications between agencies. Departments include Environmental Services, Police, Fire and Code Compliance.

Q. What is the role of TCEQ in the cleanup process?

A. As a part of the cleanup process, TCEQ will review documents provided by the property owners to ensure materials have been disposed of properly. This will include manifests and weight scale tickets for the trucks hauling away the debris. The City anticipates that TCEQ will escalate enforcement, if cleanup activities and communication cease.

Q. Will the landowner face fines or charges?

A. TCEQ will determine fines and penalties associated with this case. Fort Worth Police Department has issued a warrant for the person believed to be responsible for allowing trucks to illegally dump on this property. The property owners state they were unaware that these items were being placed at this site for disposal until after the City reached out to them.

Q. What's the estimated cost of cleanup?

A. The property owners are financially responsible for the cleanup of the property. The total cost of the cleanup is undetermined at this time.

Q. What are the risks associated with this illegal dump?

A. The primary concern for piles of roof shingles and tires is the risk of fire hazards. Risk of fire to tires and shingles clearly create safety concerns and can place nearby properties at risk; this also results in smoke being released into the air and the risk of polluted stormwater runoff.

Q. What timeline are we looking at?

A. At this time, property owners have committed to completing the cleanup and will coordinate with TCEQ to define specific cleanup timelines. The investigation into this case has been a lengthy process. The property owners must remove all illegally dumped solid waste from the site and dispose of it at an authorized facility with documentation.

Q. What else would you like to share?

A. Dumping on public or private property is illegal - this includes small amounts associated with littering, up to very large quantities, like the amount of material with this case. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the community working together to stop illegal dumping early and to report concerns or suspicious activities. Remember: Stop It, Report It, Pick It Up! For more information, access our resource guide.

To report illegal dumping, use the MyFW app or call 311 Fort Worth Contact Center: 817-392-1234 or 311 from your cell phone. Email.

To report illegal dumping in progress, call the Fort Worth Police Department: 817-392-4222 (nonemergency line).

Photo:City staff reviewed initial cleanup efforts of illegally dumped materials with property owners during reinspection of the East Randol Mill Road location on July 10, 2024.

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Tagged as:

• Environment
• District 5