Dallas City Council Approves $2 million for Environmental Remediation at 9000 block of S. Central Expressway (Former Blue Star Recycling Site)

On May 11, 2022, the Dallas City Council approved $2 million for the remediation of 9505 and 9527 S. Central Expressway, formerly the site of Blue Star Recycling. The City acquired the property in 2021, and an environmental assessment found lead-contaminated fill on the site. The lead contamination is not related to the shingles that were removed by the City in 2021. Work will begin immediately, with an anticipated completion date between fall 2023 and summer 2024.

“The history of contamination at this site has plagued the community for far too long. I am proud to represent the residents of District 8, who have been strong advocates for their neighborhood. I am thrilled that we have funds approved toward remediation. I look forward to seeing the area brought up to residential standards to finally give the community the safety and peace of mind they deserve.” said Council Member Tennell Atkins, whose district includes the former Blue Star Recycling site and nearby Floral Farms.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairwoman Paula Blackmon echoed Councilmember Atkins’ sentiment, “We must be good stewards of our environment, and as a city, we must advocate for the health and wellbeing of our Dallas communities. I want to thank City leadership and staff for identifying the funds to ensure remediation.”

Area residents asked the City’s Environmental Commission to advocate on their behalf to move the project forward in March. “The commission’s role is to advance equitable solutions to our city’s environmental issues and to be a conduit for collaborative dialog between community members and the City,” said Chair Kathryn Bazan. The commission will next meet Wednesday, May 11, to consider a full briefing on the effort and a voting item to recommend that staff remediate the property to residential standards.

Director of the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability Carlos Evans stated, “We are grateful to City leadership and to the volunteer and community advocates for getting us to today’s action; a collaborative effort, which ensures that we’re better protecting the health of our neighbors.”

The City will provide regular updates to the public regarding the status of site assessment and remediation.