However, in February and March, U.S. district court Judge Debra Brown of Greenville issued orders excluding most of the evidence and witness testimony of residents — much to the dismay and surprise of local leaders. Grenada’s city manager Trey Baker stated to residents that the ruling handed down by this judge was “one of the worst things” he had ever seen. “I have never seen a decision that takes away a plaintiff’s full rights. They can present expert witnesses, but they can’t.” The orders provide a tough path for residents who want to get rid of the land that many believe has led to the death or serious illness of their loved ones. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, although TCE has been detected in the community at elevated levels, the agency maintains it doesn’t pose a threat to residents’ health. In September, the agency placed the site on the national Superfund List. This gives it a higher priority for cleanup. Mississippi Today’s emailed questions regarding this story were not answered by the EPA. The cleanup efforts at the hubcap manufacturing plant that used and dumped cancer-causing chemicals TCE (hexavalent chromemium) began nearly 30 years ago. The fact that they had been living in toxic groundwater was not discovered by residents until 2015. Residents filed suit in 2016 alleging that toxic groundwater had invaded their homes and rendered their hard-earned properties worthless. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed an identical suit in 2017, alleging that the companies’ actions had damaged a state natural resource. A top Regional 4 Environmental Protection Agency official called the state’s three-decade-long regulatory response a “colossal fail.” It’s a straightforward assessment. Rylan Townsend, an 11-year old Eastern Heights resident, explains it. Townsend stated that Meritor, a commercial vehicle parts supplier, wasn’t operating the plant and later took responsibility for cleaning it up. “They need to get moving. They’re likely just sitting there sleeping or doing nothing, rather than actually trying to help people in our community.” Residents like Johnnie Williams, who lost her son to liver disease at the age of 17, are not closer to getting help to move. What if your child was exposed to this contamination? What would you do if your child died? What would you think? Is that fair? To lose their children? To lose their family members? Williams cried, “No it’s not fair,” Williams replied. It’s almost like you don’t even care. It doesn’t matter if we are still there. So it’s just wrong.” Williams stated that she would like to tell her story before a panel of peers, something that is becoming increasingly unlikely. Many families in Eastern Heights have health issues they believe were caused by or exacerbated by their exposure to toxic chemicals. According to a Clarion Ledger 2016 article, 30 percent of the 225 residents have been diagnosed with cancer. Trichloroethylene (or TCE), which was used in the plant’s degreasing process, can have toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. It is also linked to liver cancer. Hexavalent chromemium, which Erin Brockovich discovered in Hinkley (Calif.), a case that was turned into a movie starring Julia Roberts, can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of developing lung cancer. We know what it does to your body, I think. It’s there. It’s in the ground, or perhaps in the subdivision around it,” stated Grenada Mayor Billy Collins. “Why has it taken us so long to recognize the need to clean this up?” Many people are dying from this type of cancer and other diseases. It’s something we all recognize and can’t get anyone to fix it.” Grenada, a small town of 12,700 people, is slightly more black and has nearly 30% of its residents living in poverty. The median household income in Grenada is $32,000. Eastern Heights is almost entirely made up of black residents. Darrell Hubbard, a resident said that if we were white, we would be treated differently. “That’s because we live in… We should be out. It should not be a problem to get out of this community.” The lawsuit involves 50 homeowners. It only covers property damage. Ted Lyon, the resident’s attorney, said that residents who were involved in cases relating to health issues have reached an agreement. Mississippi law only allows you to get so much in property damage cases. Lyon stated that this was one of the problems they faced. Lyon claimed he was ready to show how Textron, a former plant operator, had knowingly dumped chemicals that eventually migrated into the neighborhood. But Lyon stated that after the attorneys recovered their expenses, Meritor’s payments were not sufficient to cover relocation costs. Meritor sent Mississippi Today an explanation, saying that it couldn’t comment on the lawsuit but that it “has always placed high value on social accountability.” Phillip Sykes, Butler Snow’s local attorney, did not return calls to Mississippi Today. Lyon stated that “What has happened in this area is a tragedy” and that it was wrong, but that he cannot change Mississippi law. “We are not happy with the court rulings. We intend to appeal many of these rulings if we go on trial. However, that could take several years. Many of these residents are older. They don’t want that time.” Some residents chose to accept the settlement, while others continue fighting. Charlie Mack, a Vietnam veteran who was also a fifth-grade science and math teacher, said that it was time for the judge and EPA to do what is best for them. It’s best to get out of here. Give us what we really deserve. We have paid for these houses, and we still pay for them. We believe we are entitled to what is right. Collins stated that he believes contamination at the site could have wider implications for the city. Collins stated that he believes everyone in the area needs to be rehabilitated, and that homes should be purchased. He also suggested that it is necessary to put up barriers to allow it to remain. Townsend, who is 7 years old, has lived in north Grenada with his grandparents since childhood. Townsend wore a completely red outfit from his sunglasses to socks and shoes to the basketball court, and spent the afternoon asking for justice in Grenada’s downtown square. Townsend stated that it felt good. Townsend said, “I’ve read about Dr. Martin Luther King and watched the movie. It sort of feels that way.” He also held signs saying: “Meritor Do the Right Thing” or “We would love to see our community united.” “We know you can hear, but won’t listen,” Hubbard, Townsend’s grandfather, stated. “I have to worry for him.” Hubbard said that he was just being on the ground, facing what they have to face. His future is what I have to worry about right now.”