Contaminants Resulting from Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey dumped 50 inches of rain on Houston, which eventually flowed into the Houston Ship Channel. Rebecca Hersher, Digging in the Mud to See What Toxic Substances Were Spread by Hurricane Harvey, (Oct. 23, 2017), www.npr.org. This water carried many contaminants that also entered the channel, which is now said to have a 10-foot-high layer of storm deposit resting on the bottom. Id. Contaminants include dioxins, heavy metals, and polyromantic hydrocarbons. Id.

Last week the EPA announced a plan to remove the contaminated material, to help prevent future contamination from floods. Id. This sediment will be studied/compared to reveal the scale of the storm and how the storm played out. Id. Toxicologists are hoping their results from this testing will aid health officials in planning for future disasters. Id.

 

Rebecca Hersher, Digging in the Mud to See What Toxic Substances Were Spread by Hurricane Harvey, (Oct. 23, 2017), www.npr.org.