The world's largest supercomputer is complete in Memphis, TN. xAI will require up to 1.3 million gallons of water per day in an area threatened with arsenic pollution and fragile water infrastructure. There are promises of building a water reuse facility to recycle wastewater - but we need follow through with public interest at the center. So far, the deal has been anything but transparent.
Did you know industries with private wells pay nothing for their water? No new aquifer protection programs have been established since the Groundwater Board was created in the late 1980s and the lack of funding is a major reason! Basic permit fees have stayed the same for a generation - but the Board recently approved new fees! We're asking the County Commission to finalize these fees.
Velsicol Chemical (they dumped cancer-causing pesticides into Cypress Creek in North Memphis) has a permit to clean up their toxic legacy. That 10-year permit expires in September 2024. Neighbors packed out Velsicol's public meeting on March 21, 2024 and spoke up! Now, Velsicol is supposed to put our input into their new permit with TDEC.
Call Velsicol Director George Harvell or email TDEC Manager Beverly Philpot to tell them Velsicol needs to clean up Cypress Creek!