UPDATE: Residents of Elysian Fields, Texas, are reeling from the sudden construction of the largest oil and gas waste disposal site in the region, following the Texas Railroad Commission’s 2023 permit approval. The project, initiated by McBride Operating LLC, has ignited fierce opposition among locals concerned about health and environmental impacts.
For over 15 years, Debrah Linn and her family enjoyed a peaceful life on their farmette near Elysian Fields, raising animals and riding horses along quiet country roads. However, that tranquility was shattered when construction began on a massive waste facility just down the road, initially disguised as an oversized pond. Residents, including veterans like Bonnie Arbuckle, are alarmed by the noise and activity from dump trucks and heavy machinery that have surged into their quiet community.
The alarm bells were first sounded by Harrison County Judge Chad Sims, who revealed the permit for the waste site was granted with little notice to locals. Many residents, unaware of the impending project, only learned of it during a community meeting in January. Sims disclosed that McBride’s facility was linked to a company that has faced numerous regulatory violations in nearby Waskom, raising immediate concerns about safety and environmental integrity.
According to records, McBride Operating’s Waskom site has accumulated a staggering 68 violations since its inception, including unauthorized waste disposal and evidence of groundwater contamination. Federal investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) followed a tragic workplace accident that claimed the life of a young father, highlighting the company’s troubling safety record.
Local residents are particularly worried about the health risks posed by the new waste disposal site. Linn, whose daughter suffers from asthma, expressed her fears about potential exposure to toxic fumes and contaminants. “Now the people that live closer have been complaining of headaches, nausea, things like that,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of community concern.
As construction progresses, the Elysian Fields site has raised the specter of becoming a dumping ground for waste not only from Texas but also from Louisiana, where regulations are stricter. “If we didn’t have the Louisiana business, would these facilities even be here?” Linn questioned, as she and a coalition of local residents, including teachers and ranchers, unite to fight back against McBride’s expansions.
Local leaders are taking action. In April 2025, community members, led by cattleman Terry Allen, testified before the Texas House Energy Resources Committee advocating for stronger regulatory measures on oilfield waste disposal. They demand transparency and accountability from companies like McBride, which they accuse of prioritizing profits over community health.
The Railroad Commission’s decision has drawn criticism, especially given the campaign contributions received from McBride. Commissioner Jim Wright and Commissioner Wayne Christian voted in favor of the permit despite numerous local protests, citing the need for increased waste disposal capacity in the region.
As the situation develops, residents are mobilizing to create an advocacy group called Texas Legacy Defense to protect their communities from future environmental threats. “Because no one is listening,” Linn said, highlighting the grassroots effort to hold powerful interests accountable.
With the Elysian Fields site nearing completion, the community is on high alert. McBride has stated it will begin operations only after implementing all necessary safety measures, but residents remain skeptical. “We’re worried that all that waste will now arrive in Elysian Fields,” Allen warned.
Residents are also preparing for ongoing battles with the Railroad Commission and McBride, as they seek to ensure their voices are heard in the face of overwhelming corporate power. The outcome of this fight could set a precedent for environmental regulations in Texas, impacting not only Elysian Fields but communities across the state.
As tensions rise, the Elysian Fields community is urging state officials to reconsider the implications of their decisions. The stakes are high, as the health and safety of their families hang in the balance. Residents are determined to fight for their rights and protect their land from becoming a hazardous waste dumping ground.
