Texas authorities have sanctioned a hazardous waste facility adjacent to a Baptist youth camp, raising environmental and health concerns.
Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Texas regulators approved a facility for storing and recycling oilfield wastewater, laden with toxic chemicals, next to a Baptist summer camp.
- The facility, operated by Richards Recycling, will handle millions of gallons of produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling.
- Concerns include potential groundwater contamination, exposure to hazardous air pollution, and the facility's proximity to the youth camp.
Key quote:
"I would be very alarmed if I was working at that Baptist Center. It’s a kind of chemical stew that’s going into these ponds."
— Dominic DiGiulio, retired EPA geoscientist
Why this matters:
The proximity of these sites to communities often raises concerns about environmental justice, as historically, lower-income and minority communities are disproportionately affected. This not only impacts health but also property values and the overall quality of life.
Related: Pennsylvania’s first proposed hazardous waste landfill would be near homes and schools.
