Damaged Crops and BP Release

Perhaps you've heard about plants damaged in crops and gardens throughout the Southeastern U.S.?

While some commentators believe gasses released with the BP oil disaster are to blame, another source may play a role in the damage.

ProPublica reports that a Texas BP refinery had a huge toxin release immediately prior to the Gulf disaster.
http://www.propublica.org/article/bp-texas-refinery-had-huge-toxic-release-just-before-gulf-blowout

ProPublica reports that "tens of thousands" of pounds of toxins were accidently released:

"The company now estimates that 538,000 pounds of chemicals escaped from the refinery while it was replacing the equipment. These included 17,000 pounds of benzene, a known carcinogen; 37,000 pounds of nitrogen oxides, which contribute to respiratory problems; and 186,000 pounds of carbon monoxide..."