The waterways near Samsung's semiconductor facility in Northeast Austin are recovering after an acid waste spill earlier this year. In January, the facility spilled roughly 763,000 gallons of acidic waste into its stormwater pond, leading to a fatal drop in pH levels and killing aquatic life in the connecting tributary of Harris Branch Creek.
Thankfully, the ecosystem is now beginning to recover, according to Austin Monitor, citing Watershed Protection Department environmental officer Katie Coyne.
“Aquatic and biological life within the tributary, including multiple species of fish and invertebrates” were found present in several areas of the tributary after a recent survey.
No further pollutants were found in the waterway as the tributary continues to be monitored. Samsung is also working with Watershed staff to repair the stormwater pond and dredge the contaminated sediment.
The recovery process should conclude in June. The Watershed Protection Department will monitor the tributary every week until the pond is functioning again.
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