City and state officials pushing to get East Side recycling plant into compliance
SAN ANTONIO - There are new developments on an East Side recycling plant that's received numerous violations and fines.
Fox San Antonio has learned both the city and the state are taking action to get Ascent Recycling and Consulting into compliance or it will be forced to shut down.
“My mom has been complaining about her breathing and the dust in the area,” says JC Aldaco, a resident on Seguin Street.
He says the dust started after the plant moved in across the street.
Since January, the city has issued dozens of citations and fines to the company for improper parking, lack of paving, debris, and trash.
“All the dust that is on the house and inside the house also,” adds Aldaco.
The plant originally operated on 975 E. Southcross, but was shut down for illegally recycling metal without a license, including shell casings as seen in photos we obtained through an open records request to the city.
“They are responsible for being in compliance with all the city codes,” says Michael Shannon, Asst. Director of Developmental Services.
In an email, Zachary Walter, Plant Operator, released this statement to Fox San Antonio:
“We are certainly working toward 100% compliance. We are working out a plan with the city to pave high traffic areas to cut down any dust. We have already complied on many of the other issues to include landscaping, full time trash person and full time traffic employee. We continue to work with the city and citizens to co-exist and still continue to work toward our goal of employing area residents and keeping material out of the landfill. “
“Either you're going to be a good neighbor, or you're going to have to go somewhere else,” says Senator Jose Menendez, District 26.
Menendez is working with the community on the issue.
He says the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ,) put the plant on notice as a nuisance under state law.
“We have many elderly who can be medically fragile ingesting all of this dust,” adds Menendez.
People who live in the area also say issues with this recycling plant aren't only in the front but in the back.
Residents claim the trash accumulating is attracting rodents making their way into their homes.
“If you're in a business. You would be the example,” adds Aldaco
City officials say they are working on an ordinance to prevent businesses from moving around after they are shut down.
“You get three strikes and you're out,” says Councilman Alan Warrick, District 2.
Ascent has been given 60 days by the city to come into compliance or it will be shut down.
