HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A recent study by the Texas Department of Health Services reveals that approximately 330,000 people are living in a cancer cluster in East Harris County. This cluster affects residents in a 250-square-mile area along the San Jacinto River.
The Texas Health and Environment Alliance (THEA) requested the study, which was shared during a community meeting held in Highlands on Tuesday Evening. THEA expressed frustration with state leaders, stating that despite the findings, they have not received any proposed solutions.
The meeting was packed with residents, who have concerns about the cancer cluster. Gene Hennigan, a local resident, shared his personal experience.
“My son died of two kinds of lung cancer two years ago,” Hennigan said. “We’ve lived in Lynchburg, which is ground zero for the waste pits. So, he grew up playing and swimming in that water.”
Hennigan also mentioned other health issues in his neighborhood.
“My wife’s had breast cancer. Fortunately, she’s in remission now. My youngest son’s father-in-law, who lives next door to me, died two months ago from liver cancer. The neighbor across the street’s got brain cancer right now. Our whole neighborhood’s full of it.”
During the meeting, THEA presented the state’s study, which indicated that 29 types of cancers were diagnosed between 2013 and 2021.
The four most common types were leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, and cervical cancer. However, the study did not determine the cause of these cancers.
THEA pointed out that there are five Superfund sites, known as the waste pits, located under the I-10 bridge. These sites are believed to be responsible for dioxins and chemicals spilling into the river, which serves as a major source of drinking water for the region and is unsafe for fishing and swimming.
Edward Johnson, a neighbor, expressed his concerns about the water quality.
“There have been times we had to re-wash the clothes even because it was so rusty looking. So that’s, you know, who wants to drink that?” said Johnson.
The meeting featured empty chairs with balloons, symbolizing the absence of state officials who THEA claims did not attend and have yet to provide solutions for the cancer cluster. THEA’s suggested solution is getting rid of the waste pits.
“I want to see the EPA take care of something that they already know is a problem that’s causing all these deaths,” Hennigan said. “I mean, that’s the bottom line. While they’re talking, we’re dying, okay?” said Hennigan.
KPRC 2 reached out to the EPA and the Texas Department of Health Services for comment and is awaiting a response. THEA said its next meeting is Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Crosby Community Center located at 409 Hare Road.
Harris County Pct. 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey is expected to discuss the Cancer Cluster study during the commissioners meeting on Thursday, April 10, at 10 am.
UPDATE: On April 15, the EPA provided KPRC 2 with the following statement:
“At the San Jacinto River Waste Pits, there is no known ongoing release at this time. The EPA installed a temporary armored landfill cap that is designed to protect the underlying wastes from erosion and other damage until the remedy can be implemented. The armored landfill cap is inspected quarterly and after flooding to ensure it is functioning. The EPA will continue to respond to the site contamination under the Superfund law to prevent any risks posed by the site to nearby communities. The EPA is focused on addressing the contamination at the National Priorities List San Jacinto River Waste Pits site to ensure the site is protective of human health and the environment. Currently, the EPA is in the process of reviewing the draft 100% Remedial Design for the remedy pursuant to the Record of Decision (ROD) for the site. The ROD provides for the excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated materials.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) conducted epidemiological studies and reported results of its findings in Assessment of the Occurrence of Cancer, East Harris County, Texas, 2013 – 2021 on February 6, 2025. Inquiries and questions concerning the report should be directed to TDSHS. The EPA continues to meet with TxDOT to coordinate the activities related to both projects. All inquiries concerning TxDOT schedule or additional questions concerning the I-10 bridge replacement project should be directed to TxDOT."
