TCEQ investigation after a complaint finds waste not covered as required
After a complaint alleging improperly covered waste, TCEQ investigators observed a large amount of uncovered waste at the working face. Landfill staff told investigators that equipment used to cover waste had broken down about a month earlier. TCEQ issued a notice of violation for failing to apply six inches of compacted earthen cover daily, with compliance documentation due June 22, 2026. Reports differ on the investigation date (April 30 or May 7); KVII reported the notice was sent to the City on May 20.[1][2][3]
KFDA reported that TCEQ records show investigators observed a large amount of uncovered waste at the working face; landfill staff said equipment used to cover waste had broken down about a month earlier, a vehicle used for alternative daily cover was broken and its replacement parts were obsolete, and staff 'couldn't cover waste as fast as it was coming in.'[1]
✓ Verified
TCEQ issued the City a notice of violation for failing to apply six inches of well-compacted earthen material to deposited waste daily, with compliance documentation due June 22, 2026. TCEQ's complaint record lists the violation (30 TAC 330.165(a)) as resolved on July 8, 2026.[1][2][3]
⚠ Sources differ
Reports differ on the date of the TCEQ investigation that found the cover violation.
KVII: TCEQ investigated May 7, 2026 and sent the notice of violation to the City May 20.
✓ Verified
KFDA reported TCEQ records of complaints and compliance concerns about the landfill from 2003 through 2026, including windblown trash complaints in 2021, 2023 and 2025.[1][4]
✓ Verified
Neither TCEQ, the City nor the State Fire Marshal's Office has publicly stated that the daily-cover violation caused or contributed to the May 2026 fire; KVII reported the fire marshal's report does not address it.[5][6]