UPDATE: Residents of Elysian Fields, Texas, are in an urgent fight against the construction of the largest oil and gas waste disposal site in the region. Just announced, the project is raising serious environmental concerns among local families and farmers who fear for their health and safety.
For over 15 years, local resident Debrah Linn and her children have enjoyed a peaceful life on their farmette, raising animals and riding horses along the scenic Waskom-Elysian Fields Road. However, this tranquility is now threatened as heavy machinery and dump trucks invade their rural community. The Texas Railroad Commission has granted a permit to McBride Operating LLC to develop a massive waste disposal site spanning 187 acres, with construction already underway.
Local officials, including Harrison County Judge Chad Sims, revealed the shocking news in a January meeting, stating that the permit was approved without public consultation. “We had no idea this was happening,” Linn expressed, voicing her fears for her family’s well-being amid rising complaints of headaches and nausea from residents near McBride’s existing site in Waskom.
The Railroad Commission’s approval has sparked outrage, especially as records show that McBride has a troubled history of violations, including a recent $32,264 fine related to a fatal workplace accident. Residents are concerned that similar issues could arise at the new site, which sits near local water sources critical for drinking.
Despite the potential risks, officials like Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian argue that the facility is essential for managing the increasing waste generated by the region’s booming oil and gas production. However, locals suspect that waste from Louisiana may be dumped in Texas due to lax regulations, putting their health at risk.
As the community unites to oppose the site, Linn is working alongside other concerned residents, including teachers and local ranchers, to advocate for change. They are pushing for stricter regulations on waste disposal and demanding transparency from McBride.
In a developing situation, the pressure is mounting on the Railroad Commission to address the growing fears of East Texans. Residents are rallying together, determined to protect their homes and health from what they believe could become a toxic dumping ground.
Next steps include a crucial hearing scheduled for later this month, where residents will voice their concerns and demand accountability from the Railroad Commission and McBride. As construction progresses, the stakes are high for the community of Elysian Fields, with many fearing irreversible damage to their environment and livelihoods.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
