UPDATE: A contentious new oil and gas waste disposal site is under construction in Elysian Fields, Texas, igniting fierce opposition from local residents. This alarming development comes after the Texas Railroad Commission approved the site permit without public hearings, shocking community members who were unaware of the impending danger.
For 15 years, Debrah Linn has cherished her peaceful farmette near Sacogee Creek, raising various animals alongside her children. However, her idyllic life is threatened as heavy machinery rumbles and mounds of dirt rise just yards from her property. The site, approved for an astonishing 187 acres, is set to become the largest oil waste facility in the region.
Residents, including Linn, were blindsided when they learned about the project at a village fire department meeting this past January. Harrison County Judge Chad Sims revealed that M2T, LLC, an out-of-state developer, had obtained the permit in 2023 without any input from the local community. The construction site is now a hub of activity with dump trucks and cranes, leaving locals uneasy about the potential health impacts, including air pollution and water contamination.
Linn expressed her fears, particularly regarding her daughter’s asthma, stating, “I don’t want to be run out of my home by someone who doesn’t play by the rules.” This sentiment resonates with many in the area as they report headaches and nausea due to odors emanating from existing waste operations.
The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas activities, has faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency. Records reveal that McBride Operating LLC, associated with M2T, has a controversial history, including numerous violations at its Waskom facility. In February 2024, the commission denied McBride’s permit renewal after discovering severe infractions, including groundwater contamination. Yet, McBride continued operations, appealing the decision and exploiting loopholes in regulation.
As construction progresses in Elysian Fields, local residents are joining forces to combat the expansion of McBride’s operations. They are rallying for legislative changes, demanding stricter regulations on waste disposal and better notification procedures for landowners. The growing coalition includes teachers, pastors, and ranchers, all united by a common goal to protect their land and health.
The situation escalated when it was revealed that waste from beyond Texas, particularly from Louisiana, could be processed at the new facility. Residents fear that their quiet community is being turned into a dumping ground for out-of-state hazardous waste, raising serious environmental concerns.
The urgency of the matter has attracted the attention of local authorities and environmental advocates. George Neale, an attorney representing concerned landowners, criticized the Railroad Commission’s handling of permits, stating, “They’ve had four years of second chances.”
As of now, McBride’s spokesperson confirmed that construction is nearing completion. Local residents, including Linn, are left anxiously watching for trucks delivering waste to the site, a prospect they find deeply unsettling.
With opposition mounting, community advocates are pushing for transparency and accountability from both McBride and the Railroad Commission. They argue that the protection of local water supplies and air quality is non-negotiable.
Next steps involve a crucial hearing scheduled for later this month, where residents will voice their concerns and demand action from the Railroad Commission. With the stakes higher than ever, community members are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard in this unfolding crisis.
As the situation develops, residents remain vigilant, determined to protect their homes and health from the looming threat of industrial waste disposal close to their doorsteps.
