South Tucson Residents Rally to Combat Water Pollution Crisis

Linda Robles, a resident of Tucson’s South Side, has faced a decade marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of a daughter to lupus and health struggles among her other children. With growing concerns over potential connections between contaminated water and illness, she has taken a proactive approach. Robles is mobilizing the community to lodge legal claims against alleged water contamination affecting their health, a grassroots effort she hopes will culminate in a lawsuit.

The hazards of tainted groundwater on the South Side are not new. Contaminants such as trichloroethylene (TCE) have plagued the area since 1981, leading to earlier lawsuits over induced illnesses, including various forms of cancer and autoimmune disorders. Residents previously obtained settlements from Hughes Aircraft Co. and related parties for their losses. Now, they are shifting attention to 1,4 dioxane, a contaminant linked to industrial activity but only recognized as a groundwater issue since 2002.

In a packed community meeting last Monday, Robles outlined the path forward alongside attorney Richard Gonzales, known for successful legal actions involving TCE. Dozens of attendees expressed their support by requesting claim forms. Gonzales reassured attendees with stories of past victories, despite acknowledging his limited knowledge of the current dioxane situation. He agreed to assist Robles and her group informally while they plan to sue Raytheon Missile Systems, which now encompasses Hughes Aircraft.

Legal battles over dioxane could be more complicated than previous cases involving TCE. Residents face the challenge of proving a direct link between their health issues and dioxane exposure, particularly as they must differentiate between illnesses caused by dioxane and those potentially caused by TCE. Additionally, they need to demonstrate they have ingested contaminated water recently, despite city assurances that the water supply has been clean since the 1980s.

Robles remains skeptical of these assurances, believing that residents may have unknowingly consumed tainted water. She has gathered around 400 claim forms from fellow residents asserting links between their health problems and the water. With plans for a comprehensive health study, Robles is taking steps to strengthen her case.

In a recent development, state authorities reached out to Robles, indicating a review of the health implications of both TCE and 1,4 dioxane may be forthcoming. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is collaborating with the Arizona Department of Health Services to determine the need for a health consultation on the pollutants associated with cancer and other illnesses.

Robles’ own family history underscores the urgency of her campaign. Over the years, she has seen numerous health crises among loved ones. Her daughter Tiana died from lupus, while others in her family struggle with complex and serious conditions. This personal experience has galvanized Robles into action, pushing her to investigate water quality and advocate for residents who may be affected.

As Robles steps forward, she reflects on the haunting map of contamination she has from previous pollution cases, dotted with markers of where cancer cases have emerged. Her resolve is shared by many, including fellow residents Angela Martinez and Sharon Flowers, who have personal stakes in the consequences of water contamination. Each story sheds light on a wider community crisis and fuels their collective fight for justice.

While the road ahead presents legal complexities, the community’s determination grows. Attorneys and residents alike echo a sentiment of hope and resilience, advocating for thorough investigations and accountability for past actions that have jeopardized their health and well-being.