Port Arthur, Texas – Unified Command, including TCEQ, TPC Group and Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, reports that response efforts at TPC Group Port Neches Operations remain focused on safely bringing the event to an end. Response efforts continue to focus on activities to secure site equipment and minimize impact to environment, while preserving the safety of emergency responders and the community.
Plant Alarm System Update: TPC Group has installed on-site a replacement plant alarm system. The new system will be quality tested at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23. There will be eight short alerts, followed by one steady alert to indicate an all clear. Testing is expected to be complete by 10 a.m. Neighbors near Port Neches Operations may hear elevated noise during this time.
To hear what the alarm alert sounds like, click here: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tpc.holdings/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/22093628/8-blast-rev3.wav
To hear what the all clear alert sounds like, click here: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tpc.holdings/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/12/22093620/steady-rev2.wav
Following this initial test, regular weekly alarm tests will resume every Wednesday at noon, beginning 12/25/19. The replacement alarm system will be located on-site and remain in use until the permanent alarm system is returned to operation. We appreciate your patience as this essential safety equipment is put in place.
Situational Update: TPC Group has restored lighting to select units in the plant. The restoration of power to some lights on-site, and the restart of specialized equipment such as generators and pumps, is furthering a safe response effort. Teams continue to conduct mechanical integrity inspections of tanks and associated piping and equipment to ensure the eventual safe transfer of all remaining materials from the site.
The Unified Command Joint Information Center is managing inquiries via the official response website at www.portnechesresponse.com, as well as through established social media channels on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PortNechesUC and Twitter (@PortNechesUC).
Residents are also encouraged to register for updates from the Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN). Call 1-877-843-7826 (toll-free) anytime to hear important alerts and notifications, or visit www.thestan.com to register for notifications.