State oil and gas regulators voted to approve a controversial oilfield waste disposal site in Paxton, Texas, overruling their own technical staff’s recommendation to deny the permit due to groundwater contamination risks.
Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Texas Railroad Commission approved a waste disposal site near Paxton’s water supply despite staff concerns that the site could threaten groundwater.
- Critics argue East Texas is becoming a dumping ground for Louisiana’s oilfield waste, which contains toxic heavy metals and petroleum-based chemicals.
- A second large waste facility in Elysian Fields has also raised alarm, with residents worried about potential water contamination in local creeks and reservoirs.
Key quote:
“We were shocked and dismayed that they have so little regard for the health and well-being of Shelby County residents.”
— Eric Garrett, director of Paxton Water Supply Corporation
Why this matters:
Oilfield waste disposal sites handle materials that, while legally classified as non-hazardous, contain toxic substances like arsenic, benzene, and cadmium. These chemicals can leach into groundwater, posing long-term risks to drinking water supplies and ecosystems. The increasing number of waste sites in East Texas, particularly those accepting out-of-state waste, raises concerns about lax oversight and potential environmental injustice, as rural communities bear the burden of waste disposal without clear benefits. The approval process also highlights tensions between industry interests and public health protections, with local residents left questioning whether regulators are prioritizing corporate profits over community safety.
Related EHN coverage: Petrochemical plants send millions of pounds of pollutants into waterways each year: Report
