Houston, Texas (KTRK) – Environmental advocates and leaders are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to properly clean up a toxic site in northwest Houston where they say the public remains at risk of exposure.
The group called on the EPA to take action to deal with the Jones Road groundwater fund.
It comes after a five-year review report released by the Environmental Protection Agency in late September concluded that treating the site was “not preventive.”
RELATED: New EPA Report Reveals Jones Road Superfund Treatment ‘Not Preventive’
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), overfunded sites are sites where hazardous waste is dumped or improperly disposed of, creating risks to human health and the environment.
The EPA says the process of cleaning up soil fumes and shallow groundwater at the site began in 2019.
The agency claims it has put in place several temporary solutions to protect public health while it evaluates long-term solutions.
Advocates claim the surrounding community remains at risk from exposure to dry cleaning chemicals and say the EPA does not plan to take action until 2024.
“Toxic waste from this site is threatening lives at this very moment,” said Rachel Jordan, assistant director of the Texas Health and Environment Alliance.
That’s why they’re pushing to make sure the cleanup plan is safe, comprehensive, and remains a top priority for the EPA.
EPA findings revealed that contaminants at the Jones Road Superfund site were introduced to the area by dry cleaning businesses operating from 1984 to 2002. Cleaners conducted improper disposal of dry cleaning solvents, which then leaked into soil and groundwater.
Moving forward, concerned community members say there should be stricter regulations.
SEE ALSO: Fifth Ward residents worry about impact of SCOTOS decision on emissions: “This is what we’re getting?”
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