Early Life and Education of Erin Brockovich: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Erin Brockovich. A timeline of key moments.
Erin Brockovich is a paralegal and environmental activist known for her pivotal role in a lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in 1993. She worked alongside attorney Ed Masry to investigate and expose groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, caused by PG&E. Their efforts led to a successful settlement for the affected residents. The case and Brockovich's involvement gained widespread attention, inspiring the film 'Erin Brockovich' (2000), which further popularized her story and advocacy work.
1952: Construction of Hinkley Compressor Station
In 1952, the Hinkley compressor station was built as part of a natural gas pipeline, later becoming central to the PG&E contamination case.
June 22, 1960: Erin Brockovich's Birth
On June 22, 1960, Erin Brockovich, née Pattee, was born. She later became a paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmental activist.
1966: End of Chromium 6 Use
Between 1952 and 1966, PG&E used hexavalent chromium in a cooling tower system to fight corrosion. The waste water was discharged to unlined ponds at the site.
1968: RWQCB Regulations for PG&E Site
In 1968, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) put the PG&E site under its regulations.
1970: Lehigh Valley Railroad Derailment
In 1970, the Lehigh Valley Railroad derailment occurred, which Brockovich initially suspected as a cause for the LeRoy students' symptoms.
1988: Start of Cancer Rate Monitoring
In 1988, cancer rates in Hinkley began being monitored until 2008.
1996: Purchase of Agoura Hills House
In 1996, Brockovich purchased her house in Agoura Hills, California, with her bonus from the Hinkley settlement.
1996: Investigation of Brain Tumors
Prior to the lawsuit filed in 2009, the EPA began investigating what residents believed were a high number of brain tumors in the area since 1996.
1996: Bulldozing of Affected Area
The affected area of Hinkley had been bulldozed by 1996.
2003: Settlement for Mold Contamination
In 2003, Erin Brockovich received settlements totaling $430,000 and an undisclosed amount from parties to settle her lawsuit alleging toxic mold in her Agoura Hills home.
2008: End of Cancer Rate Monitoring
In 2008, cancer rates in Hinkley ended being monitored since 1988.
2010: California Cancer Registry Study
In 2010, a study released by the California Cancer Registry suggested that cancer rates in Hinkley "remained unremarkable from 1988 to 2008".
2013: Cites Lac-Megantic, Canada oil train catastrophe
In 2023, Erin Brockovich continues to cite the 2013 Lac-Megantic, Canada oil train catastrophe.
2016: Residence in Agoura Hills
As of 2016, Erin Brockovich resides in Agoura Hills, California.
2019: Cr-6 Levels in Hinkley Wells
As of 2019, average Cr-6 levels for water from wells in Hinkley were still peaking at 100 times California's maximum contaminant level.
2021: PG&E Claimed Cleanup
By 2021, PG&E claimed they had cleaned up 70% of the contamination.
2021: Writing on Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
In 2021, Erin Brockovich wrote about hormone-disrupting chemicals (such as PFAS) eroding human fertility at an alarming rate.
February 8, 2022: Article on Steven Donziger Case
On February 8, 2022, Erin Brockovich wrote an article discussing the case of Steven Donziger, a lawyer involved in a legal battle with Chevron.
