The EPA will suspend the export of toxic waste from Ohio to Harris County, a US official said.

HOUSTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to suspend the disposal of toxic waste from East Palestine, Ohio, which was destined for Harris County.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee made the announcement in a tweet and in a statement sent to KPRC 2.

“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suspending the disposal of toxic waste from Eastern Palestine, including any disposal destined for Houston and Harris County,” the statement said. “Rep. Jackson Lee has been working intensively with the EPA and the EPA administrator over the past few days to protect communities from toxic waste disposal,” Congressman Jackson Lee’s office said in a statement. “This process of dumping toxic waste into communities without prior notice to local cities and counties must be stopped.”

This came after Harris County officials, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, expressed disappointment during a Thursday night press conference, saying the company should have notified officials ahead of time of the delivery.

“I also want people to know that there are many things we don’t know but should know. This does not mean that something is wrong, ”Hidalgo said at a press conference. “The company has assured us that they store firefighting water “in a manner that eliminates the risk to water, groundwater, air emissions and protect public health.”

KPRC 2 will update this story as more information becomes available.

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