NORTHEAST HOUSTON Residents of Westfield Estates, and surrounding neighborhoods attended a meeting last Tuesday night about the quality of water and waste water problems in their areas.
The meeting was hosted by Harris County Precinct 2, and the presentation of an environmental study was made by Dr. K. Sommer Ramsey of the Houston Galveston Area Council.
Over 100 persons attended the meeting, and showed great interest. However, after Dr. Ramsey made her remarks, she took questions that indicated the audience was expecting a different type of information.
Ramseys slide show had focused on the $400,000 study results, which showed that many ditches and Halls Bayou had evidence of e. coli bacteria contamination, a potential health threat to humans and their lives.
This was the second government study of the same problem, according to state sources contacted by the Northeast News. A $200,000 study in 2005 covered much more of the Aldine area, and concluded much the same results.
In 12 of 22 locations in ditches in the area, and 3 of 5 sample spots in Halls Bayou, e. coli exceeded state standards. Most of the areas showing contamination were in residential areas that had septic systems, Ramsey said. Those areas served by waste treatment from Sunbelt Fresh Water Supply District did not show contamination, and she said theyre doing a great job.
She explained that e. coli comes from humans, dogs, chickens, and other non humans. So-called black water in the ditches is a sure sign of a failing septic system. This might be from aging of the system, or inadequate maintenance, or a field that is too small for the load.
She said that the Environmental Study, conducted for HGAC by the engineering firm of CDM, is the first step in getting funding from various sources to solve the problem in a long term scenario.
However, she was pessimistic about any short term solutions or help for residents, and this met with a great deal of dissatisfaction from those attending the meeting.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, complaints were heard from many because there was no Spanish presentation, although many in the audience did not speak English. Community Center director Lisa May did some translation of questions and responses, but in general the main points of Ramseys information were in English only.
Comments from the audience included:
We have a big problem, and we need a big solution.
It smells on our street, with standing water and mosquitos.
Ramsey said that a short term solution will come from homeowners taking steps on their own, such as:
–Having enough land for the septic outflow field
–Maintain the existing septic system by pumping it out
–Replace the entire system, at a cost of $5000 to $10,000
–Pick up pet waste
She said that the CDM study showed a new waste treatment plant, sewer lines, and lateral connections were needed in the area. However, the budget for this was around $12 million dollars, which was not available for many years, perhaps as many at 10 in the future.
She urged residents to form a shareholders group to lobby for agencies to help achieve the waste water improvements.
However, residents complained, both in English and Spanish, that they expected and needed more help from the government agencies involved.
Simply cleaning the ditches would help, they said, but the County refuses to do this because of the contaminated water in them. Also, dead animals are left in the streets, with no one removing them, they said.
A petition was passed, for residents to protest and ask for more assistance.
An obvious need, if septic system improvements is the only answer, is for government money to help pay for this work, they said.
Dr. Ramsey suggested that the next step for government was to pursue grants and other funding from federal, state, county and other sources.
Gerald Overturf, a board member of the Aldine Water and Sewer Authority, expressed the groups frustration when he said that we are here about septic systems, when we should be hearing about waste water systems.
The audience was also displeased that Commissioner Garcial was not present and expressed the desire she attend the next presentation, and that it be conducted partially in Spanish.