government
Former employee claims Odessa company dumped hazardous chemicals; state opens investigation
By Sierra Burnett at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A former employee of West Texas Cementers says the company has been dumping hazardous chemicals onto public land, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has opened an investigation into the allegations.Enrique Godinez, who has worked in the oilfield for 17 years,...
Key takeaway Enrique Godinez, who has worked in the oilfield for 17 years, said he was fired from West Texas Cementers last month after raising safety concerns about the dumping.
Why this matters in The Midland
The allegations against West Texas Cementers have significant implications for the Midland -Odessa area, where the oil and gas industry is a major economic driver. If the claims of hazardous chemical dumping are substantiated, it could pose a threat to the health and safety of local residents and workers. The fact that the alleged dumping occurred on public land raises concerns about the potential for environmental contamination and long-term damage to the region's natural resources. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's investigation will be closely watched by the community, particularly given the history of industrial activity in the Permian Basin. As the investigation unfolds, it will be important to monitor the company's response and any potential consequences for West Texas Cementers, as well as the broader impact on the local environment and economy. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of industrial activities in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A former employee of West Texas Cementers says the company has been dumping hazardous chemicals onto public land, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has opened an investigation into the allegations.Enrique Godinez, who has worked in the oilfield for 17 years,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sierra Burnett at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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