By Nick Self

The City of Amarillo is moving to a consistent year-round schedule for public access at the municipal landfill, a change that takes effect August 17 and comes in the wake of the May fire that originated at the facility and destroyed dozens of homes.

Beginning August 17, the landfill will be open to the public Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last load will be accepted at the scale house at 4:30 p.m. to allow time for unloading and safe closure procedures. The city is discontinuing its previous seasonal operating schedule in favor of a single, predictable timetable.

“Providing a consistent schedule makes it easier for our customers to plan their trips to the landfill,” Public Works Director Alan Harder said in a press release. “By eliminating seasonal hour changes, we are simplifying our operations and improving customer service.

“Establishing a consistent closing time also aligns our operations with best practices and provides staff with the time needed at the end of each day to complete daily cover and other operational activities, meeting regulatory requirements while continuing to safely and efficiently serve our customers.”

The adjustment arrives roughly two and a half months after the Stinky Fire, which began at the landfill on the afternoon of May 17, later escaped the facility under high winds and low humidity, and ultimately burned more than 2,300 acres. The blaze destroyed 52 occupied homes and damaged others in the Bishop Hills area. In the weeks leading up to the fire, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality had documented violations related to inadequate daily cover at the landfill. The landfill superintendent was later removed from his position.

City officials noted that even under the new standard schedule, the landfill may close on short notice due to weather conditions or other unforeseen operational circumstances. Rainfall, high winds, or other factors that affect the safety of customers and employees or landfill operations could result in temporary closures. Residents are encouraged to check the landfill’s status before traveling during periods of inclement weather by calling (806) 359-2056.

The landfill is located at 16250 Bezner Road. Both the new hours and the emphasis on completing daily cover each evening reflect ongoing efforts to tighten operational practices after the May incident.