Deerpark, Texas (AP) — Toxic wastewater used to extinguish fires following a train derailment in Ohio is heading to a Houston suburb for treatment.
“Me and my office heard today that ‘fire water’ from East Palestine, Ohio, has derailed and is due to be disposed of in our county,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. said in a statement Wednesday.
“Our Harris County Pollution Control Department and the Harris County Attorney have reached out to the company and the Environmental Protection Agency to obtain more information,” Hidalgo wrote.
Wastewater is sent to Texas Molecular, where hazardous waste is injected into the ground for disposal.
Texas Environmental Quality Commission told KTRK-TV Texas Molecular is “authorized to receive and manage various waste streams containing vinyl chloride as part of its Hazardous Waste Permit and Underground Injection Management Permit.”
the company said Kou TV I have experience managing this type of disposal.
“Our technology safely removes harmful constituents from the biosphere. , are part of the solution to protect the environment.
fiery February 3 Derailment inspired by oh Evacuation in case of toxic chemicals He suffered burns after being released from five derailed tanker railcars carrying PVC that were at risk of explosion.
Dr. George Gillen, executive director of the Houston Environmental Institute, said, “It’s…very, very toxic,” but the risk to the public is minimal.
“In some cases, this injection is typically 4,000 or 5,000 feet below the aquifer of any kind of drinking water,” says Guillen, who is also a professor of biology and environmental sciences at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. says.
Guillen and Deer Park resident Tammy Baxter said their biggest concern was transporting chemicals more than 1,300 miles (2,090 kilometers) from East Palestine, Ohio. to Deer Park, Texas.
“We need closer deep well injection,” Baxter told KTRK. “It’s silly to put it on the road. We have accidents on a regular basis… it’s silly to move it that far.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Visited the derailment site Thursday, warned The Norfolk Southern Railroad, responsible for the derailment, has fulfilled its promise to help clean up the chaos just outside East Palestine, Ohio, and help the town recover.
Buttigieg announced a package of reforms It aims to improve rail safety while regulators seek to tighten safety rules.