HOUSTON – The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) reveals in a new report that plastic production facilities are emitting toxic wastewater into Texas waterways, posing increasing health and environmental risks.
The report highlights the failure of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate wastewater from plastics factories, causing serious harm to public health and ecosystems.
((Answers to the quiz are at the end of the article))
According to the EIP, the plastics manufacturing industry dumps approximately 500 million gallons of wastewater per day into U.S. waterways, and because of failed EPA oversight, most factories contain nitrogen, phosphorus, 1,4-dioxane, and dioxins. This means that there is no limit to the amount of , and other harmful pollutants are allowed to be released.
The report found chemicals such as benzene, chromium and other harmful pollutants in wastewater discharged from plastic factories.
What are nurdles and microplastics?
Plastic nurdles and microplastics are washing up on Texas beaches and being found in waterways.
According to EIP, dozens of domestic plastic manufacturers produce small plastic pellets called nurdles, which are molded into consumer plastic products, as well as plastic flakes, beads and powder. Although absolute numbers are unknown, it is common for these plastic particles to be released into waterways.
How does it affect your health?
These toxins, which are linked to cancer, liver damage, and other serious health problems, often find their way into waterways that provide drinking water to Texans and support aquatic life.
Residents of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color bear the brunt of this pollution. According to EIP, more than two-thirds of pollution from plastic production impacts communities of color.
Many live near plastic factories clustered along the Gulf Coast and the Houston Strait, and the region is home to one of the nation’s largest petrochemical hubs.
Texas Wildlife and Agriculture
In addition to human health, Texas’ waterways and wildlife are under threat. Pollutants from plastic production can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, damage fish populations, and disrupt food chains. This pollution also threatens the livelihoods of fishermen and farming communities who depend on clean water sources.
The report criticizes the EPA for not updating pollution standards for plastic factories, some of which date back decades. Current regulations do not take into account the full range of modern production methods and toxic emissions, leaving communities vulnerable.
Local advocacy groups are calling for stronger regulations and increased oversight of industrial waste. They are also asking Texans to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics to limit demand for new production.
Residents can participate in cleanup efforts and support organizations that hold polluters accountable. Some community leaders are calling for legislation to increase oversight and transparency regarding industrial wastewater discharges.
For more information, visit the Environmental Integrity Project website at environmentintegrity.org.
Quiz answer:
1) Nurdles
2) All of the above
3) All of the above
KPRC Click2Houston Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
