HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8914U11101:1 J, Y-11 0 ZIA .9r
On December 18, 2007, City Council requested an Informal Report on the current rules for the
transportation and disposal of scrap tires.
In response to a growing problem with the illegal dumping of scrap tires, a multi-agency response team
was formed in late 2007. Members include staff from the Code Compliance, Environmental Management,
Police, Fire and Law Departments, and staff from the Texas Commission • Environmental Quality
(TCEQ).
Small to medium sized tire/repair shops appear to be the biggest generators of illegally dumped scrap tires
in Fort Worth. Many of these shops are using unregistered third party haulers (paying them a reduced fee)
to haul off/dispose of scrap tires. Instead of taking the scrap tires to a proper disposal site, the haulers are
dumping them on vacant lots, behind abandoned buildings and in alleys throughout the city (to avoid
paying disposal fees). In FY 06/07, the Environmental Management Department disposed of
approximately 42,000 scrap tires at a cost of approximately $50,000. This cost only covers the contracted
tire processor I s cost. Direct city costs related to collection from illegal dump sites, transportation and
double handling by loading into tire processor's trailers are at least twice the disposal costs.
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Fort Worth ordinances address scrap tires from a storage/accumulation standpoint, e.g., the rules are
designed only to reduce fire risk and control disease vectors (mosquitoes, rats and snakes). The
ordinance does not address transportation or disposal issues (except for illegal dumping). The State of
Texas, through the TCEQ, has a far more comprehensive set of rules to enforce scrap tire accumulation,
transportation and disposal. Anyone who stores more than 500 scrap tires must register with the TCEQ
and the tires can only be hauled by a registered transporter to an authorized facility, e.g., a scrap tire
processing facility. All facilities must keep a manifest, i.e., a cradle-to-grave record of the disposition of
each load of scrap tires removed from a generator site.
Most tire generators are not required to register, but must follvvv rules for storage and record keeping, All
facilities must keep records of scrap tire management using a manifest system- Transporters must register
with the TCEQ if they collect scrap tires from another business. There are no fees associated with this
re istration, All vehicles used totransport, including trailers, are required to be marked on both sides Mith
the name are-' locatiorn of the business and the TCEQ re—gisftrs!
.. lion number,
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO. 8914
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
January 22, 2008
Page 2 of 2
x SUBJECT: Rules for the disposing of scrap tires
f 8'f'3
Unfortunately, TCEQ does not have enough resources to enforce all of these requirements on an
ongoing /proactive basis (they do however work with City staff when violations are uncovered through >a
local investigation). The City may adopt rules that are more stringent than the State rules. In Dallas, ',#ey
adopted local regulations similar to those outlined by the State (as a means of reducing illegally dumped
scrap tires).
NEXT STEPS
Staff has deployed five covert/wireless illegal dumping cameras throughout the city. These cameras have
collected evidence sufficient for the filing of a State Jail Felony Offense for a number of suspects. These
investigations are being jointly worked by the Code Compliance and Police Departments. Even so, the
problem is far greater than the suspects we have identified so far. Therefore, staff is working on ordinance
revisions to better address transportation and disposal issues. Staff believe that such revisions will reduce
illegal dumping /increase compliance. Additionally, an interdepartmental committee will be partnering with
the TCEQ to conduct public education targeting tire shop owners and operators.
Towards this end, staff has collected examples of local ordinances from other Texas cities and a meeting
with the City of Dallas is being scheduled for the near future. Staff will use these resources to develop Awb
ordinance revisions and then report back to City Council with recommendations.
Should you have any questions regarding this matter please contact Brandon Bennett, Acting Code
Compliance Department Director.
i
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
isfi11En BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS