Dickinson residents say raw sewage dumped on their property, TCEQ investigating

DICKINSON, Texas (KTRK) -- What neighbors said they've been seeing for months has sparked a state environmental investigation.

Residents in Dickinson claimed septic trucks have been running hoses beneath a fence and dumping what they believe is raw sewage onto nearby properties.

Neighbors said this has been going on since April.

After multiple complaints, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said it launched an investigation, which remains active.

For months, residents like Algie Smith have said they've watched the same routine.

"They'll connect a green hose like that to their truck and run it underneath down there with that piece of plywood here," Smith said. "That's when they dump, and then it runs down here and in this direction."

Smith said the smell is unlike anything he's experienced.

"It's horrible. It really is. It's like opening up a septic tank and just taking a big whiff of it," Smith said.

That odor, Smith said, ultimately drove away a tenant living on his property.

Smith said he eventually saw it with his own eyes and captured a video of it.

"I get a call from Algie saying, 'Hey, they're dumping right now,' " said neighbor, Steve Hallmark. "The next day, I got a call from Algie again, repeating that they're dumping again."

Hallmark said they contacted police, the county health department and ultimately, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as well.

"Hey, we have illegal dumping out here. We need some help," Hallmark said. "We've been disrespected and illegally dumped on by raw sewage. That is just sickening and appalling, honestly."

The name on the truck identified by neighbors? Texas Septic and Sewer.

When ABC13 went to the area, it was parked on a Public Storage lot next to the resident's properties.

According to TCEQ records, the septic company had five citations last month. Three of them alleged the "failure to prevent the unauthorized discharge of wastewater into or adjacent to any water in the state."

The TCEQ hasn't confirmed that those citations are related to these allegations.

The agency did tell ABC13 it received its first complaint on April 30, investigated the site on May 11, and received additional reports on June 24 and July 7. The agency said it cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.

But after doing some digging, ABC13 found records from the Secretary of State's office showing the company shouldn't even exist due to a tax forfeiture this February.

ABC13 has made multiple attempts to get in touch with the business owner. The number on the website gets you to an automated screener, but after leaving our information, the line disconnects.

Neighbors said the solution is simple.

"Stop what you're doing and clean up your mess," Smith said.