Residents in Slaton have reached out for help from the city officials to regulate a recycling business, who’s debris is circulating in their area and raising health concerns.
“I’ve been here 30 years, it used to be real nice out here, real quiet and now the trucks, and all that burning,” Slaton Resident Johnny Rodriguez said. “Picking up heavy metal, heavy cars, making noise all day long so there isn’t anymore privacy out here.”
He joined several residents who said the issue is growing, and they want more to be done for the safety of their homes.
“It’s not about money or anything, but health problems,” Rodriguez said. “There’s smoke messing up people’s breathing, losing weight and stuff like that. I tried everything and I can’t get through. That’s why I called y’all.”
The recycling business operates some of their construction on an industrial lot owned by a railroad company. They are cutting material heavy material with a blowtorch which is blowing heavy smoke and debris throughout the area.
Company officials said they have sent off materials to be tested for dangerous toxins before operation. All materials came back clean.
The City of Slaton told EverythingLubbock.com the company is not breaking any codes with this operation.
The railroad company said they are taking steps to eliminate any issues. One method is using water canons to create a curtain in the air and redirect the debris from spreading to surrounding houses.