WACO, TX — Erosion along the Brazos River is causing Baylor University to take action to protect a certain riverbank due to what lays underneath.
What was the Waco City Dump in the 1950s, is now a section of Baylor University and is the location where the majority of the debris from the historically damaging 1953 tornado is buried.
Enclosed years ago, the land has gone untouched for many years.
Now, erosion is naturally occurring where the buried tornado debris is located.
Baylor University officials explained through a multitude of studies conducted, the debris was determined as inert material which do not decompose, nor does it pose any chance of leaching chemicals nor does it produce gas.
"Mainly the debris is building materials, primarily glass and brick" explained Baylor University's Assistant Vice President of Media and Public Relations Lori Fogleman.
"Waco's history is Baylor's history, and the riverfront is incredibly important. It's an asset and we're a proud community partner. The city gave us this property ,so it's very important that we're good stewards of that property" Fogleman said.
Using a type of reinforcement rock along the 2,100 linear foot edge of riverbank, Baylor University plans to ensure the historic debris and retired Waco City Dump stays enclosed.
Fogleman explained that the project will begin as soon as the Brazos River waters lower and is slatted to be complete by August.
