Watch My Toxic Backyard

My Toxic Backyard is a 2014 documentary film that tells a story of a community in Asheville, North Carolina, which got exposed to hazardous and radioactive waste. The movie follows the struggles of those affected by the waste and their attempts to seek justice from the parties involved. The film starts by introducing us to Tate MacQueen, who is an activist in the community. He begins to investigate the possible sources of the waste, its effects on the environment, and how it came to be dumped in Asheville. Tate speaks to residents and former employees of CTS corporation, which was a company that operated a plant near the polluted area.

Through interviews with various stakeholders, Tate discovers that CTS corporation buried around 35,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals on the land in 1959. He also finds out that the corporation knew about the unintended consequences of the waste and chose to ignore the dangers. This information comes to light years after the plant was shut down, and the owners filed for bankruptcy, leaving the community to suffer the consequences of their actions.

The film features interviews with residents who have been affected by the waste. The interviews paint a picture of a community adversely affected by the waste, with some residents developing chronic illnesses such as cancer, thyroid problems, and brain damage. Children who grew up in the area also experienced developmental delays, while contaminants found in the water supply caused animals to die.

As the residents share their stories, Tate realizes that the waste is more than just a hazard; it is a ticking time bomb that could cause a catastrophe if there is no immediate action. He decides to take action by organizing community meetings aimed at raising awareness of the situation. However, he faces resistance from CTS corporation's former employees, who either deny any wrongdoing or claim that the waste is not their responsibility.

The documentary also highlights the role played by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in handling the situation. The EPA had initially designated the area as a Superfund site, which meant that it under a cleanup program. However, the process took years, and the residents were left in limbo as contamination continued to spread. The movie features interviews with EPA employees who explain their role in dealing with the situation, and their frustration at how slow the process is.

The movie also features interviews with experts in environmental health, who explain the possible effects of exposure to hazardous waste. They explain that exposure to pollutants can lead to various health problems and ailments, and in severe cases, cancer.

The documentary culminates in a legal battle between the residents and CTS corporation. The residents sue the company, hoping to receive compensation for the damage caused. This leads to a courtroom showdown, with both sides presenting their case. The audience is left wondering whether justice will prevail, given the overwhelming evidence against the corporation.

My Toxic Backyard is a powerful documentary that highlights the dangers of hazardous waste and its impact on communities. The movie features a compelling narrative, with interviews from various stakeholders, including residents, activists, EPA employees, and legal experts. It raises concerns about the role of corporations in environmental pollution and highlights the importance of holding them accountable for their actions. Overall, it is an informative and eye-opening documentary that everyone should watch.

My Toxic Backyard is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.