A pilot project has begun to enforce existing state laws regulating junkyards. The purpose of the project is to gather sufficient data and information to determine the need for increased scrutiny of the businesses. A team of law enforcement officers, environmental investigators and a flood-plain management inspector have been visiting junkyards along Aldine Mail Route and Airline Drive.
Unregulated junkyards are causing visual blight, depressing opportunities for economic redevelopment and potentially polluting the environment. The environmental impact of these unregulated businesses illegally disposing of petroleum products has been a major concern, said Rep. Kevin Bailey. When junkyards that are polluting our waterways are locating within a few feet of homes with backyard water wells that are 25 -50 feet deep, the need for stricter enforcement is obvious. State law requires that junkyards be set back 300 feet from homes, schools or churches.
Program to last 3 months
The pilot project will last for about three months before the team reports to a committee that will make recommendations on enforcement to Commissioners Court. Team members are armed with a checklist covering all of the items that are regulated by existing laws. Junkyard operators are being provided a copy of violations along with a date for a reinspection of the business. In some cases, tickets are being issued immediately. The data collected will enable the county to establish long-term strategies to reduce contamination caused by the junkyards.
Multiple violations found
During their initial inspections in North Houston, the enforcement team has found violations of every law that is listed on their check-sheets. The areas violated most frequently include requirements for outer fencing; setbacks from streets, homes and churches; display of work outside the fence and improper documentation of records for car being salvaged. Pollution control laws are also being violated including those regulating municipal solid wastes, water quality and storm water drainage.
County given enforcement
Legislation authored by Bailey during the last legislative session provides the county with greater authority in regulating junkyards. Formerly state law granted the county the authority to regulate automotive salvage yards and junkyards in its unincorporated areas, but the permit fee of $25 was insufficient to defray the cost of regulation and Harris County did not have the resources to exclusively devote to regulating them. The new law by Bailey increases the annual fee to $500 in order to provide sufficient funding for a dedicated workforce to police these businesses.
The East Aldine Management District and the Airline Improvement District have abatement deputies who are working with the inspectors on the pilot project. The pilot project will focus on junkyards located within the districts boundaries.