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: 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 completed phase one of the injection of DEHA (Diethylhydroxylamine) to high priority tanks containing butadiene. DEHA injection for the second phase of tanks is planned to begin in the coming days. No off-site impacts or public health concerns are anticipated as part of the DEHA process. All storage tanks are being evaluated for mechanical integrity and prioritized for safe transfer of all materials from the site.
Air Monitoring update: Continuous air monitoring readings at the site and in the community remain below actionable levels. Real-time air quality data continues to be provided to Unified Command.
As response efforts at Port Neches Operations remain stable, experts continue to evaluate monitoring data, and anticipate the monitoring area will be gradually reduced and the quantity of stationary and roaming air readings will decrease. Occasional elevated air measurements may continue to register as response teams secure the site.
Water monitoring update: Unified Command has closely monitored water quality around TPC Group Port Neches Operations since the event and has detected no impact to drinking water supply.
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