It's worse, the specific stuff released here is LNAPL[1], which is basically the light liquid components like alkanes, benzene etc. They all flow right along at the highest point of groundwater. They've been going directly into the groundwater and probably drinking water for over a decade. These things are toxic and carcinogenic; they don't even put benzene in gasoline any more because just being around it for long enough will give you leukemia.

right, it's in the ground water that people are drinking.

Downplaying this so much is a bit disingenuous, I think. It’s already shown to be having a negative impact, without the spill being properly investigated yet.

The real problem comes down to the state giving priority to the industry instead of its own people.

The ongoing practice of minimal reporting of these incidents, as well as the conspiring to cover it up, should be investigated, and those involved should be held responsible.