Soleil Singh- Toxic Waste Sights Flooded by Harvey

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/03/us/houston-texas-flood-aftermath/index.html

As Harvey reaches an end, devastating sights are left throughout Texas and Louisiana. 

     At least 13 toxic waste sites in Texas were flooded or damaged by Hurricane Harvey. The water poses a risk to human health and the environment. The 13 sites are flooded with waste from a variety of damaging and dangerous chemicals. The normal amount of coliform (bacteria) allowed in water, that people swim in, is an EPA standard of less than 100. Results are showing skyrocketing dangerous numbers up and above 57,000. The water is flooded with E. Coli, about 8K times the normal guidelines. As fires are breaking out, creating more damage, victims are in need to basic necessities, including water, which has been so heavily contaminated. Harvey has killed an estimated 50 people, displaced more than 1 million and damaged some 200,000 homes in a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles. This is a disaster that the governor of Texas said could require up to $180 billion. This storm is considered one of the most damaging hurricane's of all time, as it had the heaviest rainfall of 52 inches, leaving a horrendous aftermath. As toxic waste continues to flood, more and more chemicals are becoming released into the water systems, contaminating most of which were used for drinking water.

   This is affecting the US as the water system is being polluted, and as of Saturday 2,300/4,500 water systems have been destroyed by Harvey. I believe this is leading to scarce water sources and human health immensely at risk, as the water they are consuming is borderline lethal. Not only will this be very costly, but this is going to be an environmental challenge throughout Texas. As gas is running short and water is heavily polluted, the economic powerhouse of the Gulf of Mexico is in shambles, along with its many citizens.