El Paso Wastewater Treatment Plant Evacuated After Discovery of Old Dynamite, Prompting Loop 375 Closure
The John T. Hickerson Wastewater Treatment Plant in El Paso, Texas, was evacuated following the discovery of "very old" dynamite near Cement Lake. El Paso Police Department (EPPD) Detective Judy Oviedo reported that authorities found the explosive in an old shed on El Paso Water property. The discovery, initially reported as a "suspicious item" at 12:44 p.m. on Monday, led to the deployment of the EPPD's bomb squad, El Paso Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Border Patrol, and El Paso Water personnel. As a precautionary measure, Loop 375 was closed in both directions from Executive Center Boulevard to Doniphan, with drivers advised to expect closures for several hours. El Paso Water confirmed they are collaborating with law enforcement to identify any critical infrastructure in the affected area.
