Sulfuric Acid Leak in Channelview: Officials Provide Update on Incident and Response

Incident Overview

• ⚠️ A sulfuric acid release occurred early Saturday morning at BWC in Channelview when a walkway collapsed, rupturing a pipeline.
• 💥 The incident involved a sulfuric acid leak that also affected a valve, causing the substance to enter the ship channel.
• 🚢 Two ships docked nearby were impacted, and their crews were evacuated.

Impact and Response Efforts

• 🚑 Two individuals were transported to the hospital and have since been released.
• 🩺 An additional 44 people were evaluated but did not require transport.
• 💨 Air monitoring was conducted by Harris County Pollution Control, with initial high readings later determined to be errors; subsequent readings have been fine.
• 🌊 The sulfuric acid entering the ship channel is diluting with water, and currently, there are no sightings of dead aquatic life.
• 🚧 A perimeter has been established for the safety of first responders and neighboring companies.

Agency Cooperation and Investigation

• 🤝 The response involved significant cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, Harris County Hazmat, US Coast Guard, EPA, TCEQ, and the company BWC.
• 🔍 Investigators from the Harris County Fire Marshall's office and pollution control will evaluate the incident to determine what happened and if any action is necessary.
• 🚢 The US Coast Guard coordinated efforts, including restricting vessel traffic in the affected part of the ship channel.

Community Safety and Monitoring

• 🗣️ Officials assured the community that air quality has been and will continue to be measured, with no significant impact detected in residential areas.
• 🚫 Evacuation of nearby communities was considered but deemed unnecessary due to extensive monitoring and clear air readings.
• 📍 Traffic impacts are currently limited to specific areas near Sheldon and Centerport, and Peninsula Street.