San Antonio River Authority & Texas Landfill Management Martinez II Recycling Facility Project

Cost: $3.1 million
Location: North Converse, Texas
Year: 2014-12-15
Size: 10 acres
Owner: Texas Landfill Management LLC
Designers: Texas Landfill Management LLC
Contractor: Texas Landfill Management LLC

A public-private partnership between the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and Texas Land­fill Management LLC has resulted in a 10-acre recycling facility adjacent to the site of the Martinez II Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bexar County. 

The new recycling facility will provide composting as a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal for the treatment and beneficial reuse of biosolids and other recycled compostable materials such as clean wood, brush, yard trimmings and food waste. 

Formerly home to a biosolids land application operation, the 52-acre site is ideal for this type of facility. Its proximity to the wastewater treatment plant and sanitary landfill is convenient for biosolids transport, and the high-density clay soil is suitable for a storm water retention pond and groundwater protection. 

The team’s biggest challenge has been preparing and receiving approval for a permit amendment from the state of Texas, as well as the Conditional Letter of Map Revision from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The project is currently in the construction phase and is expected to be fully operational in early 2015. 

“This a very positive project that will provide the San Antonio River Authority with a long-term, sustainable alternative to our current biosolids landfilling disposal method,” said Jim Doersam, senior engineer for SARA. “The new facility will recycle SARA’s biosolids into beneficial end products, including compost and fertilizer, which are badly needed in our drought-prone area of the country.”