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Greg Moss talks about toxins leftover from floods and the close proximity to the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund site Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at his home in Channelview.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Do you live near a contaminated 'Superfund' site? Search our map of Houston hotspots.

Scores of abandoned locations in Houston are dangerously contaminated with industrial waste from old oil and petrochemical businesses, whether at illegal disposal sites, landfills, barge cleaning operations or chemical processing facilities.

Stay in the Loop

Schuyler Wight walks away from a well as it leaks oil and produced water onto the surface of his ranch on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in West Texas.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

A backlog of Texas orphan wells that need to be plugged grows, even as federal funds flow

The Texas Railroad Commission's most recent list of wells needing to be plugged numbered almost 8,200, a 3% increase since federal funding started flowing in 2022.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) stands on the sidelines in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of NFL game action at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 in Houston. Houston Texans won the game 26-3.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

How C.J. Stroud, Texans are approaching their first playoff game

Nearly half of Houston's starters have never played in a postseason game in the NFL but DeMeco Ryans has simple message: just play good football.

Food Not Bombs volunteer Eric Harris, center, takes a meal tray from fellow volunteer Britt Villalobos as they feed homeless people during a regular meal distribution Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in front of Houston Public Library's Julia Ideson Building in Houston. Harris said he used to come to the distribution and eat a few years ago, but that his circumstances had improved. He said he now brings donations and food and volunteers his time.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Over 24,000 signatures asking to end tickets for feeding homeless submitted to Houston council

Houston's law against sharing free meals has become a flashpoint in the city's homeless strategy. The city issues tickets to try to stop volunteers from distributing free food outside the Central Library downtown.

A rendering of Thirteen's newly renovated space.

Photo by: Courtesy Of Studio Five

James Harden's restaurant Thirteen sets reopening date with new chef, renovations

Thirteen, the Houston restaurant from NBA star James Harden was closed three months for renovations.

Pick of the Day

Jeremy, an African spurred tortoise, is seen at Blue Heron Farm, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Waller.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Meet Jeremy, the unruly tortoise at Blue Heron Farm with a cult following and explicit nickname

Whether its for his constant attempts at escape, a tendency for destroying fences or occasional disappearing acts, Jeremy has made his mark on Blue Heron Farm.

What else is going on

Fourth graders at Hancock Elementary School have their lunch served on Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Houston. The school offers a program where parents can put extra money in the funds so students who forget their lunch money get a full meal. ( Elizabeth Conley / Houston Chronicle )

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle

Events at the Chronicle

Social Card for Meet the Editor event with Kelly Ann Scott

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Nadya Hassan

Meet the Chronicle's new editor-in-chief at a live event

Curious about the Houston Chronicle's new Editor-in-Chief, Kelly Anne Scott? Join us Friday, January 12 at 12 PM for your chance to meet Kelly and ask her your questions. Register now.