Potential Hurricane Harvey Contaminants in Galveston Bay
The Houston Chronicle reports that researchers are testing Galveston Bay for contaminants released by Hurricane Harvey. Researchers from Texas A&M University’s Galveston campus quickly started testing to determine the flood’s impact after the hurricane had passed.They enlisted the help of students and without dedicated federal funding.
The report shares that “water samples taken in recent weeks will be used to test for sewage, pharmaceuticals, metals and other chemicals, for example, that may have reached the bay because of Harvey.”
Carcinogen Leaks from the San Jacinto Waste Pits
The report also discussed that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined that Hurricane Harvey caused the release of dioxin from local San Jacinto waste pits. Dioxin is among the most potent human carcinogens.
Wastewater and Chemical Plants Reported Spills
Concern over raw sewage and chemicals reaching Galveston Bay due to Hurricane Harvey was also discussed. Raw sewage was released into several parts of the Greater Houston area, and chemical spills were reported from several plants within the past month.
Raw Sewage Released Due to Hurricane Harvey
“More than 30 million gallons were released in Harris and Fort Bend counties, some of which could have made its way into the bay. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, another 106 million gallons were released in Jefferson County, where it could flow directly into the Gulf of Mexico,” according to the report.
Over 100 Report Chemical Spills Post Hurricane Harvey
Many plants are still considered inoperable due to damages sustained from Hurricane Harvey. The Houston Chronicle also shared that locally “more than 100 companies, including Valero Energy, Exxon Mobil and Arkema, had reported chemical spills as of last month, according to U.S. Coast Guard data.”
Learn More About Potential Contaminants in Galveston Bay
You can learn more here about Hurricane Harvey-caused contaminants in Galveston Bay: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Galveston-Bay-being-tested-for-possible-Harvey-12252069.php
Was Your Property Damaged Due to Hurricane Harvey?
The AL Law Group may be able to help you recover deserved compensation if your property sustained environmental damages due to flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. We work to provide the highest quality one-stop environmental legal representation in Texas at about half the cost of traditional, large law firms. Contact us today for more information.
