Neighborhood friendly

Regarding “Fighting polluters may get harder” (Page A1, Wednesday), the news story touched upon a number of issues facing my company, Southwaste Disposal.

We have maintained our facility near northwest Houston for 35 years. Throughout that time, the community has changed in many ways. In response to these changes, we have made adjustments in order to best coexist with our neighbors. Some of these changes are easy, such as not operating on Sunday, out of respect to a nearby church. But others require a new permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which requires time.

The article implies that the “air scrubber” purchased by Southwaste Disposal has not been installed because the TCEQ “did not require that.” While it is true that the TCEQ does not require an air scrubber in its permitted facilities, we have not installed the air scrubber because under the existing permit we could not do so.

Recently, however, TCEQ did approve our permit to make improvements to the facility. This will allow us to proceed with the installation of the air scrubber, double doors, air-locks and other significant improvements that will foster better coexistence with our neighbors.

We are absolutely committed — above all else — to being a good neighbor and community partner within our neighborhood, the place we have called home for 35 years and counting.

Dwayne E. Clarke, CEO, Southwaste Disposal, Houston