Texas Attorney General Secures $60 Million Settlement Against Illegal Waste Dumping
Austin, TX – After a protracted six-year legal battle, the Texas Attorney General’s office announced on May 9 that it has reached a landmark $60 million settlement with businessman David Polston and his companies—Inland Environmental and Remediation, Inland Recycling, and Boundary Ventures—over the illegal dumping of industrial waste into Skull Creek, located in Colorado County.
Attorney General Ken Paxton emphasized the state’s commitment to protecting its environment, stating, “I will not allow rogue corporations to pollute Texas’s land and rivers by illegally dumping dangerous chemicals that kill our wildlife and hurt the environment.” He further asserted that companies operating in Texas must adhere to environmental laws or face severe repercussions.
The controversy erupted in 2019 when Skull Creek, a vital waterway feeding into the Colorado River, experienced alarming contamination. Reports indicated that the creek had turned black, leading to the death of local wildlife and forcing residents to rely on private wells for drinking water. Local Judge Ty Prause criticized state agencies for their delayed response to the health threats posed by the pollution.
Following complaints from residents, the Attorney General’s office initiated legal action against Inland Environmental and Remediation, which operated oil and gas waste recycling facilities in the area. Initially, Polston denied culpability, attributing the creek’s discoloration to natural causes, such as algae and animal waste. However, he later pleaded guilty to unauthorized waste discharge, acknowledging the illegal activities of his companies.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about corporate accountability in environmental protection, showcasing the state’s determination to uphold clean land and waterways for the safety of its residents and wildlife.
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