Environmental Impact of Atascocita Landfill
About 30 miles northeast of downtown Houston, towering green hills rise above the community of Atascocita. The hills, some nearly 200 feet high, are visible from main roads, the area’s sports centers, and surrounding neighborhoods. Residents said everything looked normal except for a slight sour smell wafting through the neighborhood, especially after rain.
Impact of Landfills on Climate Change
This is because mountains are not natural. They are garbage. The Waste Management Atascocita Recycling and Disposal Facility is an 800-acre municipal solid waste landfill that processes more than 1 billion tons of waste annually, accounting for 10% of the Houston area’s total waste volume between 2010 and 2018. 17%. The landfill is also the largest emitter of methane in Harris County, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a report by the Houston Aviation Alliance, Atascocita, along with other landfills in the area, accounts for a large percentage of total methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The impact of landfills on climate change is significant, and proper waste management is crucial to mitigating these effects.
Community and Health Impacts
Aside from the environmental implications, the presence of landfills like Atascocita also has a profound impact on local communities. Environmental justice advocates have long warned about the disproportionate burden borne by minority communities due to the siting of landfills. These communities are often exposed to health risks and economic disparities stemming from the presence of landfills in their vicinity.
Health effects, such as respiratory issues and headaches, can result from landfill emissions infiltrating nearby buildings. Additionally, the transportation of waste to and from landfills in diesel trucks can further degrade air quality in the area. The location of landfills in close proximity to residential areas raises concerns about public health and environmental justice.
Policy and Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management
The Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to updating air emissions standards for municipal solid waste landfills is a step in the right direction. By introducing new regulations and technologies to reduce emissions, there is hope for a more sustainable approach to waste management. Capturing methane gas for energy production is one potential solution that can help address both environmental and economic challenges associated with landfills.
Transitioning to innovative waste management practices and investing in cleaner technologies can play a significant role in mitigating the environmental impact of landfills like Atascocita. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental justice, communities can work towards a cleaner and healthier future for all.
