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Hinkley
Hinkley, California, is a small unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, known primarily for its historical connection to groundwater contamination issues. Here's an overview of its history:
Early History
The area around Hinkley was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mojave. European-American settlers began arriving in the late 19th century, primarily drawn by the prospects of agriculture and ranching due to the availability of water.Development
In the early 20th century, the community developed as a stopover and water station along the railroads that crossed the Mojave Desert. The railroad facilitated the transport of goods and cattle, contributing to the growth of small-scale agricultural operations in the region.Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
Hinkley's most notorious historical footnote began in the 1950s when Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) set up a compressor station for its natural gas pipeline, which ran from Texas to California. To prevent rust in the cooling towers, PG&E used chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium), a corrosion inhibitor. This chemical was subsequently discharged into unlined ponds at the site, eventually leaching into the groundwater.Water Contamination and Legal Battle
The contamination of the groundwater with chromium-6 became widely known in the 1990s, largely due to the legal efforts of Erin Brockovich, a legal clerk who, along with attorney Ed Masry, built a case against PG&E. In 1996, PG&E settled for $333 million, one of the largest settlements ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history. The story of this legal battle was popularized in the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich," starring Julia Roberts.Aftermath and Current Status
The repercussions of the groundwater contamination have continued to affect Hinkley. Despite remediation efforts, including the pumping and treating of groundwater, the town's population has dwindled due to ongoing concerns about water safety. The contamination has also caused a significant decline in property values and has stigmatized the area, leading to social and economic challenges for the remaining residents.The saga of Hinkley serves as a critical case study in environmental law and the impacts of industrial pollution on small communities. It highlights the importance of regulatory oversight and the potential long-term consequences of chemical usage in industrial processes.
Hinkley. In 1882, Hinkley (originally spelled Hinckley after Hinckley Henderson, son of the pioneer Barstow merchant) got its start along the railroad. Served by Highway 466 and the Santa Fe, this growing community and surrounding area are prosperous because of the rich virgin soil, excellent for corn, melons, grapes, alfalfa and other crops. It is ever expanding its dairying, cattle, chicken and turkey raising activities.
~ Heritage of the Mojave River Valley
