Dallas is embroiled in legal issues over its storm debris operations in North Dallas, facing a lawsuit from Medisend College of Biomedical Engineering Technology. The small non-profit college, dedicated to military veterans, alleges that dust and dirt pollution from the city’s temporary storm debris site adjacent to its campus has caused significant damage. Located near I-635 and Greenville Avenue, the sprawling site spans approximately five football fields.
According to Nick Hallack, the college’s founder and president, the city’s mulching and grinding operations on trees, dirt, wood, and plastic have resulted in large dust and debris plumes settling on their building. This has led to clogged air conditioning systems and HVAC motor failures, jeopardizing sensitive medical equipment and disrupting classes for students seeking careers in hospital and biomedical equipment repair.
The lawsuit, filed in the 191st Judicial District Court of Dallas County, asserts that the city’s activities are violating environmental regulations and causing harm to the college’s property and operations. A temporary restraining order has been granted, allowing debris hauling to continue under stricter dust control measures mandated by Texas law.
Hallack emphasized the impact on students, noting the potential disruption to their education and career prospects. Both parties are scheduled to appear in court on July 22 to discuss a longer-term resolution.
