Report: Texas Superfund Sites at Risk from Natural Disasters

Superfund sites, polluted locations requiring a long-term response for clean-up, were designated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. And, in a report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) 67% of the state’s Superfund sites are in areas vulnerable to damage caused by natural hazards exacerbated by climate change.

The GAO reported that 24 sites with hazardous substances are in the Houston area alone, with 14 of those sites in danger from a Category 4 or 5 hurricane. Thirteen of the sites would be at risk by floods and seven by increasing sea levels.

About 60% of national Superfund sites overseen by the EPA are in areas that could be impacted by wildfires and flooding. This prompted the GAO to recommend that the EPA “provide direction on integrating climate change into site-level decision-making to ensure long-term protection of human health and the environment.”

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter