A recent hail storm in Needville, Texas, resulted in extensive damage to solar farms over 10,000 acres, sparking worries among residents about potential environmental and health impacts.

By yourNEWS Media Staff

A devastating hail storm last week caused significant destruction to several solar farms in Needville, Texas, affecting an area of more than 10,000 acres. The event has led to rising concerns among local residents regarding the environmental ramifications of the damaged solar panels.

In the aftermath of the storm, residents living in proximity to the solar farms have voiced their apprehensions about the potential for harmful chemicals leaking into the groundwater. Fox 26 Houston interviewed Nick Kaminski, a local resident, who shared his efforts to engage with Fort Bend County Commissioners, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, and the owners of Fighting J’s Solar Farm for an environmental impact report.

Al Gore, please pick up the red emergency phone.

Hail storm in Texas yesterday destroys thousands of acres of solar farms.

The Climate Mafia was unavailable for comment.pic.twitter.com/8jpSIJXhXM

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 26, 2024

The cadmium, lead and polyvinyl fluoride leaching from those dead solar panels will make the land unsuitable for anything for 100 years. Clean energy my ass.

— Bradley Tindall 🇺🇸 🇷🇺 (@bradley_tindall) March 26, 2024

Kaminski, along with fellow resident Mikes Fugua, highlighted the lack of response to their inquiries for studies on the environmental impact. “We’ve asked for the same studies, and we’ve been treated the same way,” Fugua stated, indicating a shared frustration among the community. Kaminski further expressed his concerns, stating, “My concern is the hail damage that came through and busted these panels we now have some highly toxic chemicals that could be potentially leaking into our water tables.”

The situation has raised alarms for families living in the area, many of whom rely on well water for their daily needs. Kaminski, a father of two, underscored the anxiety felt by families about the safety of their water supply in light of the potential contamination. “I have a family two children and a wife,” he explained. “My neighbors have kids and a lot of other residents in the area who are on well water are concerned that the chemicals are now leaking into our water tables.”

The incident has prompted calls for more transparency and action from local authorities and solar farm operators to address the environmental concerns and ensure the safety of the community’s water resources.