EAST TEXAS (KSLA) — Some oil and natural gas waste disposal sites under construction in East Texas have many people speaking out against them.
In Elysian Fields, for example, you may notice what looks like a pond or a big mound of dirt. But behind that dirt is a waste disposal site being built by McBride Operating.
Construction on the 187-acre site is well underway.
Debrah Linn, who lives in Elysian Fields, said she’s very worried about such sites being built, not only for the environment but also for her kids who battle with asthma.
“She really struggles with that. And so, you know, I just wonder is she even going to be able to remain here, is she going to be able to live here? Worried about her asthma, you know, whenever these trucks travel up and down, the dust from the road, because the roads can’t be maintained quickly enough, comes in,” Linn said. “I’ve already had my air conditioning, last year, I had it serviced three times.”
People in Paxton, Texas, also are becoming frustrated about such a waste disposal site being built in their area, leaving behind a nasty smell. Terry Allen, of Paxton, said he is quite worried about the possibility of his water becoming contaminated.
“We have a pond that’s less than 50 yards from the property line,” he said. “All of the groundwater and surface water flows toward our property and also to Paxton Water Supply, which has approximately 10% of the Shelby County population.”
While the frustration is high for Linn and Allen, she makes it clear she’s in favor of the oil and natural gas industry.
KSLA News 12 reached out to McBride Operating but they didn’t respond to our calls.
A few days later, we received the following statement from McBride Operating Owner Joe Ed McBride:
“We take immense pride in our longstanding partnership with the Waskom community and the entire East Texas region. As one of Waskom’s largest employers, we are committed to driving economic prosperity here and in all the areas where we operate. Our unwavering dedication to the safety of our staff, our close neighbors, and the communities in which we work and call home is our highest priority. Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of our operations, and we proudly maintain an industry-leading safety and environmental record at each of our facilities. McBride Operating is committed to tirelessly working to serve our customers, with excellence at the heart of everything we do, and the safety and well-being of our neighbors and communities at the forefront of our minds.”
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