A new state study reveals a significant cancer cluster in the watershed surrounding the San Jacinto River, sparking outrage among community groups who have been fighting for decades to clean up toxic waste pits.
The Texas Health and Environmental Alliance released its findings on Monday, showing unusual patterns of leukemia, lymphoma, cervix, lung, and bronchus cancers. The study examined data from 65 census tracts around the San Jacinto watershed, roughly the size of the entire city of Singapore.
Gene Hennigan, whose oldest son died two years ago from cancer, spoke out at a news conference by THEA and Metcalf. “These are all people who live around me,” he said, choking back tears. His family has lived in east Harris County for decades and was unaware that toxic waste pits were built in the San Jacinto watershed in the 1960s.
Advocates say the northern section of the pits, which are underwater, make cleanup expensive and difficult. Commissioner Tom Ramsey expressed frustration with federal authorities and companies involved, saying “Delay, delay, delay” – a phrase he used to describe the lack of urgency from those responsible for cleaning up the waste pits.
Waste Management and International Paper have been accused of being irresponsible parties by Ramsey, who wants them to simply spend money on cleanup instead of engaging in ongoing legal wranglings. The two companies have yet to respond to ABC13’s requests for comment.
Source: https://abc13.com/post/cancer-clusters-texas-officials-released-scientists-latest-findings-draw-renewed-attention-years-long-cleanup-efforts/15952333