MCALLEN - The state is taking steps to clean up toxic chemicals underneath parts of south McAllen.
A 33-acre lake of highly explosive gasoline and natural gas is contaminating the groundwater just 15 feet under more than 200 homes. It's located around 23rd Street and Business 83 in south McAllen.
A NEWSCHANNEL 5 investigation last year shed a light on the problemwhich was kept under wraps for more than a decade by city and stateofficials. One year ago, we confronted the TCEQ about the McAllen contamination.
Our investigation got the attention of a teacher at Sauceda MiddleSchool in Donna. Jason Hess' students wrote letters to the TexasCommission on Environmental Quality.
McAllen is now on a cleanup priority list. The TCEQ's lead contractor will oversee the job.
Over the coming months, state workers will be taking samples of the groundwater on 23rd Street. They want to know where the contamination is.
After that, the cleanup begins. It's a process that could take months, even years.
Scott McLain's law firm fought to get the mess cleaned up for nearly 15 years.
"It's not going to be something that's going to happen overnight," saidMcLain. "But it is still a very important step, and we're thrilled."
"It really wasn't until you did the story and rattled their cage and got their attention that some actual action is going to take place," McLain said.
He says as a result of the investigation and cleanup, life will be safer for the thousands of people living over this pollution.
