Benzene Being Dumped Into Red River
A wastewater treatment company in Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently being investigated due to recent findings that benzene and other toxic chemicals from the plant were being dumped into the Red River. The facility was reportedly shut down in October 2007 after the river was found to be polluted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality conducted several tests on the water and publicly revealed that hazardous waste from the plant was being disposed of in the river.
Among the toxins that were found to be polluting the river were benzene, toluene and xylene. Each of these chemicals can be extremely dangerous to those exposed and have been linked to various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lung cancer and aplastic anemia.
Ongoing Waste Problems
Despite the legal troubles the waste facility, known as CCS, is facing they are reportedly still seeking permission to discharge wastewater and storm water into areas where they would eventually find their way into the Red River.
Reports from a review of federal and state records related to CCS reveals:
- The illegal dumping of wastewater into Red River
- Four hidden tanks of hazardous waste that were supposedly identified by company officials as treated wastewater
- Concerns about accepting and treating wastewaters in early 2008
The findings of benzene are of most concern to health officials since the chemical is a known carcinogen and can cause fatal illnesses to those exposed over an extended period of time. Benzene can be found in gasoline, cigarettes and sodas.
