Environmental Impacts of Hurricane Harvey on the Neches-Brakes Bayou River System in Beaumont, Texas

Rao, Balaji; Reible, Danny D.; Athanasiou, Dimitrios; Lou, Helen H.; Zhao, Renzun; Fang, Jian; Drygiannaki, Ilektra; Millerick, Kayleigh; Barragan, Nahirobe; Pagnozzi, Giovanna

doi:10.1007/s00267-022-01743-3

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…62−66 An analysis of drinking water samples from locations adjacent to a superfund site in Beaumont 3 weeks after Hurricane Harvey showed greater than 2 orders of magnitude increase in PAHs due to mobilization of pollutants from flooding. 66 Additionally, an assessment of sediment cores in the Gulf of Mexico following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita suggested that substantial amounts of prehurricane PAH-enriched sediment derived from offshore petroleum activity were remobilized and redistributed in areas of relatively shallow water. 67 Some PAHs are known carcinogens, teratogens, and mutagens, and therefore pose serious potential health risks.…”

Section: ■ Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While we did not assess exposure, prior research has suggested evidence of increased contaminant concentrations in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Harvey. For example, several analyses, including longitudinal studies, have documented increased concentrations of VOCs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in recreational and residential areas and water bodies in Greater Houston after Harvey compared to prehurricane levels. − An analysis of drinking water samples from locations adjacent to a superfund site in Beaumont 3 weeks after Hurricane Harvey showed greater than 2 orders of magnitude increase in PAHs due to mobilization of pollutants from flooding . Additionally, an assessment of sediment cores in the Gulf of Mexico following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita suggested that substantial amounts of prehurricane PAH-enriched sediment derived from offshore petroleum activity were remobilized and redistributed in areas of relatively shallow water .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Climate Justice Implications of Natech Disasters: Excess Contaminant Releases during Hurricanes on the Texas Gulf Coast

Berberian,

Morello-Frosch,

Karasaki

et al. 2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Extreme weather events are becoming more severe due to climate change, increasing the risk of contaminant releases from hazardous sites disproportionately located in low-income communities of color. We evaluated contaminant releases during Hurricanes Rita, Ike, and Harvey in Texas and used regression models to estimate associations between neighborhood racial/ethnic composition and residential proximity to hurricane-related contaminant releases. Two-to-three times as many excess releases were reported during hurricanes compared to business-as-usual periods. Petrochemical manufacturing and refineries were responsible for most air emissions events. Multivariable models revealed sociodemographic disparities in likelihood of releases; compared to neighborhoods near regulated facilities without a release, a onepercent increase in Hispanic residents was associated with a 5 and 10% increase in the likelihood of an air emissions event downwind and within 2 km during Hurricanes Rita and Ike (odds ratio and 95% credible interval= 1.05 [1.00, 1.13], combined model) and Harvey (1.10 [1.00, 1.23]), respectively. Higher percentages of renters (1. 07 [1.03, 1.11], combined Rita and Ike model) and rates of poverty (1.06 [1.01, 1.12], Harvey model) were associated with a higher likelihood of a release to land or water, while the percentage of Black residents (0.94 [0.89, 1.00], Harvey model) was associated with a slightly lower likelihood. Population density was consistently associated with a decreased likelihood of a contaminant release to air, land, or water. Our findings highlight social inequalities in the risks posed by natural−technological disasters that disproportionately impact Hispanic, renter, low-income, and rural populations.

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Section: ■ Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%