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TCEQ Discloses Additional Air Samples With Benzene

Senator Wendy Davis
Senator Wendy Davis

By Shelley Kofler, KERA News

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-905179.mp3

Dallas, TX – The state's environmental agency, the TCEQ has released information about additional Tarrant County sites with elevated benzene levels. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports the disclosure reinforces a state senator's concern that the TCEQ is hiding information.

Last Friday State Senator Wendy Davis of Fort Worth filed an open records request demanding the TCEQ release information about air testing in Fort Worth. On Tuesday, TCEQ Executive Director Mark Vickery sent the Senator a letter. It identified two more air samples from Fort Worth and another near Benbrook that showed levels of benzene above what is recommended for long term exposure. The benzene, a carcinogen, was detected April 21 and 22. Davis says she and the public should have been told about the test results then.

This disclosure follows last week's revelation that the TCEQ in January found elevated benzene levels in four other air samples collected near gas drilling operations in Fort Worth. But the agency waited almost four months before it notified Fort Worth officials.

Davis says she suspects the TCEQ is withholding additional information.

The TCEQ's deputy director explained the delay by saying his agency wanted to better analyze conflicting data before releasing a report. He said that while the benzene levels were elevated they pose no immediate health threat.

Email Shelley Kofler

Senator Davis Press Release