Port Arthur, Texas – Unified Command reports ongoing response efforts at TPC Group Port Neches Operations remain focused on safely bringing the event to an end.
Situational update: There have been no significant changes to the update since News Release #28. Response efforts continue to focus on activities to secure site equipment and minimize impact to the environment, while preserving the safety of emergency responders and the community.
The small fires in the impacted area of the site, identified by Unified Command on December 6 continue to be contained and have not increased in intensity since their discovery. Response teams continue to monitor and assess.
TPC Group continues to introduce DEHA (Diethylhydroxylamine) to storage tanks containing butadiene to stabilize the materials for longer-term storage, transportation, and removal from the site. DEHA injection for the high priority storage tanks containing butadiene is expected to be completed by Friday, December 13. Once this phase of tanks is complete, injection of inhibitor will continue into additional tanks on site to further stabilize materials inside, beginning the second phase of this effort. No off-site impacts or public health concerns are anticipated as part of the DEHA process.
Air Monitoring update: 24-hour air monitoring continues at the site and in the community. Monitors are providing real-time air quality data to Unified Command.
Water monitoring update: Water quality around TPC Group Port Neches Operations is being closely monitored, and has been since the event. CTEH, environmental response experts contracted by TPC Group, continue to take water samples in the community and compare the results against health-protective state and federal screening criteria.
Traffic Update: Traffic updates will continue to be provided as available. Click for a map of street closures. The latest traffic information follows:
Open – Grigsby Avenue at Spur 136
Closed – Portions of Spur 136 near TPC Port Neches Operations remain closed, including:
- Intersection of Spur 136 at Highway 366
- Spur 136 to Highway 366 in front of TPC Port Neches Operations
- Highway 366 between Spur 136 & Park Street
Public Information Update: Unified Command has migrated to a new Facebook page. Community members are encouraged to follow the page for updates at http://facebook.com/portnechesuc.
Updates and information will continue to be posted:
On the web: www.portnechesresponse.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortNechesUC
Twitter: @PortNechesUC
U.S. EPA: www.response.epa.gov/south4groupfire
TCEQ: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/tpc-incident