The Pacific Gas and Electric Company ( PG & E ) continued buying up homes in Hinkley for years after their $ 333 million lawsuit payout . Many locals took the offers and others fled the toxic water . The homes have been knocked down or left as they are . Hexavalent chromium contaminated the groundwater , causing numerous cancers and illnesses to residents over time . The local post office and school recently closed from lack of business . The convenience store and sole gas station set to shut later this month . Comment:
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company ( PG & E ) continued buying up homes in Hinkley for years after their $ 333 million lawsuit payout . Many locals took the offers and others fled the toxic water . The homes have been knocked down or left as they are . Hexavalent chromium contaminated the groundwater , causing numerous cancers and illnesses to residents over time . The local post office and school recently closed from lack of business . The convenience store and sole gas station set to shut later this month . Only a few farms remain in Hinkley .