Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

Summary of TOSC assistance

The South Texans Opposing Pollution (S.T.O.P.) community is concerned about possible environmental exposure and impacts to hazardous substances related to the fugitive red mud dust emissions from Sherwin Alumina Company, Gregory, Texas (formerly Reynolds Metals Company, Sherwin Plant). Because this industrial waste is currently classified as non-hazardous, the emissions from the drying beds are considered a nuisance violation only. The community is very concerned about the negative health affects of the dust. According to the community members, many residents are experiencing severe allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory related illnesses.

The community is interested in having this industrial waste re-evaluated because of the changes in management procedures for the drying beds as well as proximity of residential neighborhoods to the beds.

TOSC signed and LOA with the community in August 2006 to provide assistance by reviewing relevant documents and information pertaining to red mud. TOSC created a document entitled: "TOSC Review of Environmental Issues Surrounding the Sherwin Alumina Gregory, Texas Facility" outlining the environmental concerns and how the issues may be potentially addressed under existing environmental regulations. TOSC also assisted the community by organizing and facilitating conference calls with state and federal organizations that could potentially assist the community in finding a resolution to their concerns. TOSC recently provided review of the community's petition for a preliminary assessment as well as provided the community with information on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and public health assessments for communities.