According to the Wall Street Journal, Tesla's massive 10 million-square-foot super factory in Austin, Texas, has been emitting toxic pollutants into the environment for months. The factory's giant steel casting furnace continues to release harmful substances into the air because its furnace door cannot be closed, raising the temperature inside the factory to 100°F (about 37.8°C).
Tesla's Texas factory has also failed to test the pH level of its wastewater pool. The report states that the wastewater discharged by the factory contains toxic substances like sulfuric acid and nitric acid, and the algae-colored water smells of rotten eggs. Emails from former Tesla employees and regulators indicate that Tesla discharged untreated wastewater into the sewer system without the approval of the Austin Water Company.
Despite knowing the environmental harm caused by these practices, Tesla's management opted for short-term solutions to maintain production efficiency at the factory. Former employees have expressed fear of losing their jobs if they voiced concerns about these potential environmental risks.
On September 20, the city of Austin issued two violation notices to Tesla after it was found that the pH level of the wastewater exceeded the permitted limit. The Wall Street Journal also reviewed a memorandum submitted by a whistleblower to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Tesla's Texas super factory officially began production on April 7, 2022, during the "Cyber Rodeo" event. The factory produces the Model Y and Cybertruck, and an expansion project started on October 25 this year, which is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025. Tesla relocated its headquarters from California to Austin in 2021 due to favorable tax incentives, fewer regulations, and a more conducive political environment.