Hurricane Harvey may lead to ecological disaster

Hurricane Harvey may lead to ecological disaster

State and regional authorities have started work on cleaning the territory after hurricane Harvey. At least 13 toxic waste dumps were flooded or damaged during the disaster.

As reported by the Agency for environmental protection (EPA), 13 the affected objects are industrial waste petrochemical companies, acid compounds, solvents and pesticides. EPA stated that their employees are unable «to secure access to landfills,» but ready to do so as soon as flood waters recede. The authorities of Houston stated that this would require approximately 10-15 days.

Landfill of toxic waste are a major environmental threat facing Texas. During the first two days in a flooded chemical plant near Houston fire broke out. People living in the 1.5 km radius were evacuated. As stated by EPA and the Commission on environment of Texas, in order not to expose the great danger of fire, chemical containers not extinguished and left to burn.

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