“Erin Brockovich” made their town famous. They still don’t have clean water.
Post Reports
Deep Dive
What is the current status of the water in Hinkley, California, decades after the Erin Brockovich case?
The water in Hinkley is still contaminated with hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), with levels more than five times the state's legal maximum and 2,500 times higher than what is deemed safe for public consumption. Cleanup efforts are ongoing but are expected to take several more decades.
Why has the cleanup of chromium-6 in Hinkley been so slow?
The cleanup has been slow due to the difficulty of containing widespread contamination and the local water board's lack of power to enforce stricter standards. PG&E, the responsible utility company, has also been accused of using delay tactics and minimizing the extent of the contamination.
What health issues have residents of Hinkley experienced due to chromium-6 contamination?
Residents have suffered from a range of health issues, including kidney, stomach, and liver damage, increased cancer risk, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, and hysterectomies. Many families, like Roberta Walker's, have experienced multiple health problems across generations.
How did the 1996 settlement with PG&E impact the residents of Hinkley?
The $333 million settlement provided compensation to 650 residents, but many say it didn't cover mounting medical bills and moving costs. While the settlement was seen as a victory, it didn't resolve the ongoing health and environmental issues, and the water remains contaminated.
What role did the local water board play in the Hinkley contamination crisis?
The local water board was criticized for being understaffed and lacking the resources to effectively regulate PG&E. The company allegedly used its legal and PR teams to outmaneuver the board, delaying cleanup efforts and minimizing the extent of the contamination.
How has the Erin Brockovich movie influenced the perception of Hinkley's story?
The movie brought national attention to Hinkley and was seen as a triumph of environmental justice. However, residents feel frustrated that the ongoing contamination and health issues were overshadowed by the Hollywood narrative, which portrayed the settlement as a definitive resolution.
What is PG&E's current approach to addressing the chromium-6 contamination in Hinkley?
PG&E is converting chromium-6 into chromium-3, a less harmful substance, as part of its cleanup efforts. However, the company acknowledges that complete removal of the contaminant is not feasible, and the process will take several more decades.
What challenges do small communities face in holding large corporations accountable for environmental contamination?
Small communities often lack the resources, legal expertise, and regulatory power to effectively challenge large corporations. This imbalance allows companies to delay cleanup efforts, minimize responsibility, and outmaneuver local authorities, as seen in Hinkley and other cases like Flint, Michigan.
What is the broader significance of the Hinkley case in the context of environmental justice?
The Hinkley case highlights the challenges of achieving environmental justice, particularly for small, low-income communities. It underscores the need for stronger regulatory oversight, adequate funding for cleanup efforts, and the limitations of financial settlements in addressing long-term health and environmental impacts.
- The movie "Erin Brockovich" depicts a legal victory against PG&E for water contamination in Hinkley, California.
- The film portrays a large settlement as a triumphant ending.
- The reality is more complex, suggesting the movie's ending is not the whole story.
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