Testing Finds Toxic Metals Where Tesla Lithium Refinery Discharges Wastewater in South Texas

Tesla lithium refinery discharge contains toxic metals, drainage district demands halt

Independent testing found hexavalent chromium, arsenic, and elevated lithium in Tesla's Robstown refinery wastewater. The local drainage district issued a cease-and-desist.

Testing finds toxic metals where Tesla lithium refinery discharges wastewater in South Texas

By Inside Climate News, The Texas Tribune April 21, 2026 This story is published in partnership with Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for the ICN newsletter here. After Texas regulators said Tesla’s lithium refinery near Corpus Christi wasn’t violating its permits by discharging what local officials reported as black wastewater into a drainage ditch, independ…

Testing finds toxic metals where Tesla discharges wastewater

The drainage district that commissioned the testing has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company, which says it is in compliance with all requirements for its state wastewater discharge permit.

Independent Testing Where Tesla’s Lithium Refinery Discharges Wastewater Found Toxic Metals

The drainage district that commissioned the test has now sent a cease-and-desist letter to Tesla’s operations, near Corpus Christi.By Arcelia MartinAfter Texas regulators said Tesla’s lithium refinery near Corpus Christi wasn’t violating its permits by discharging what local officials reported as black wastewater into a drainage ditch, independent water testing there this month found two toxic metals and other contaminants.