Tesla Lithium Refinery Pollution Incident

A Texas drainage district discovered a pipe discharging black liquid from Tesla's $1 billion lithium refinery during a routine inspection.

April 2026

Apr 7, 2026

Sample collected near Tesla Lithium Refinery

A sample was collected near the Tesla Lithium Refinery. This collection preceded the issuance of lab results concerning water contaminants.

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Apr 10, 2026

Eurofins issues results on water sample

Eurofins issued lab results for a 24-hour composite water sample. The report noted hexavalent chromium, arsenic, strontium, and abnormally high levels of lithium and vanadium.

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May 2026

May 20, 2026

Drainage District found pipe discharging black liquid near Tesla refinery

A Texas Drainage District inspected a ditch. The inspection revealed an unrecognized pipe discharging a black liquid. This liquid was found near Tesla's lithium refinery.

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May 21, 2026

Texas Drainage District finds discharge pipe

A Texas Drainage District conducted a routine inspection of a ditch. During this inspection, workers found a pipe discharging black liquid from the Tesla Lithium Refinery.

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May 24, 2026

Texas Drainage District found unidentified pipe discharging liquid from Tesla

A Texas Drainage District conducted a routine inspection of its ditch. During this inspection, officials discovered a pipe they did not recognize. This pipe was observed discharging a black liquid originating from Tesla's Lithium Refinery.

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