FBN Covers Growing Landfill Controversy With Billion Dollar Corporation!

Allied: Blocking Of Weather Radar By Giant Landfill Not A Matter Of Public Welfare
by Bob Dunn, Jul 03, 2007, 12 56 PM

Three Houston TV stations – who contend the expansion of Blue Ridge Landfill could block their Doppler radar signals and prevent accurate tracking of approaching hurricanes – shouldn’t be allowed to raise the issue in a hearing before state environmental officials, the landfill owners say.

In a document filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, attorneys for Allied Waster subsidiary Blue Ridge Landfill TX LP did agree that a citizens group opposing a major landfill expansion has standing to request what’s known as a “contested hearing” before the TCEQ, and has raised several issues eligible for discussion at such a hearing.

But according to the document, just filed with TCEQ, two of three TV stations who want to participate in a contested hearing don’t qualify for status as parties to the case.

And, Allied Waste maintains in the response document, ABC affiliate KTRK Channel 13’s “allegation that the landfill would affect the operation of its Doppler radar is not relevant to the issue of public safety, health and welfare.”

Rick Lowerre of Austin law firm Lowerre & Frederick, the TV stations’ attorney, disagrees. He predicted Tuesday the TCEQ will grant a contested hearing in the case. “And I’m very confident all three” TV stations “will be granted status to participate.”


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