According to The Wall Street Journal, Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, which spans over 10 million square feet, has been discharging toxic pollutants into the environment for months. Due to malfunctioning furnace doors, the factory's massive steel casting furnaces continuously release toxic substances into the air, raising indoor temperatures to 100°F (approximately 37.8°C).
The Tesla Texas Gigafactory has reportedly failed to monitor the pH levels of its wastewater pools. The report states that wastewater discharged by the factory contains toxic substances such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid. This algae-colored water is described as having a rotten egg odor. Emails from former Tesla employees and regulatory agencies reveal that Tesla discharged untreated wastewater into the sewer system without obtaining authorization from Austin Water Utility.
Despite being aware of the environmental harm caused by these practices, Tesla's management reportedly opted for short-term fixes to maintain the factory's production efficiency. Former employees expressed concern that raising alarms about potential environmental hazards could jeopardize their jobs.
On September 20, the City of Austin issued Tesla two violation notices for wastewater with pH levels exceeding permit limits. The Wall Street Journal also reviewed a whistleblower memo submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Tesla's Texas Gigafactory officially began operations on April 7, 2022, during the "Cyber Rodeo" event. The factory produces the Model Y and Cybertruck and started an expansion project on October 25, 2023, with completion expected by December 31, 2025. Tesla moved its headquarters from California to Austin in 2021, citing tax incentives, lighter regulations, and a more favorable political environment in Texas.
