When Southeast Texans see the word "pollution" about an event that happened here, they usually link it to something in the air from a refinery. It can be dangerous, but most of the time you can't see it or detect it. As such, you can become detached from the problem, or think it doesn't matter.

The recent spill of 1,000 gallons of toxic chemicals into Willow Marsh near the Beaumont Municipal Airport was different.

People lived in a hundred homes alongside the marsh and were ordered to shelter in place. Nearby roads were blocked off. You could smell it in the air. Dead animals are floating in the waters.

It was real - all too close and personal for the dozens of people who live nearby.

They know enough not to fish the waters for a few days until the chemicals are flushed out by a few rains. What about outsiders who might not realize that? And what exactly happens to the chemicals when they are flushed downstream? Are they still dangerous, and if so, to whom?

Local and state authorities need to treat this incident with the seriousness it deserves. It should not be brushed off with a regulatory slap on the wrist or a small fine.

The primary responsibly lies with the company, the General Electric: Betz Water and Process Technologies facility. Basic questions need to be asked, and answered: How did this happen, and what will be done to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

Southeast Texas understand that they live in an area with lots of petrochemical plants. Many locals obviously work in those plants.

But that doesn't mean that unsafe air or water is a price we have to pay for this economic benefit. Companies can produce fuel and chemicals without harming anyone else. In fact, it happens in this region all the time.

Water spills like this - or their counterpart in the air - are unacceptable. A healthy environment is a necessity, not a luxury.