Texas Officials Investigating Chemical Incident After Lifting La Porte Shelter-In-Place Order

Texas Officials Investigating Chemical Incident After Lifting La Porte Shelter-In-Place Order

Texas officials have lifted the shelter-in-place order issued on Wednesday morning following a chemical incident at the Dow Chemical facility in La Porte.

However, the evacuation order from the city’s office of emergency management remains in place for those living within a half-mile radius of the Bayport location.

The incident occurred around 7:35 a.m. when a chemical leak reportedly occurred from a tank wagon of hydroxyethyl acrylate, an acrylic used in adhesives, weatherization and coatings, over-pressurized.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate can cause eye damage, severe skin burns, and is harmful if swallowed.


“A tank is venting at Dow’s Houston Operations Bayport site,” officials said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, employees were instructed to evacuate the site and a shelter in place was issued for the surrounding area outline below.”

After monitoring data, officials found no indication that the incident had an impact off-site. Christian Menefee, the attorney of Harris County, revealed the Pollution Control Services Department launched an investigation into the chemical incident.

“My office is aware of the ongoing chemical incident in La Porte. We’re in communication with Harris County’s Pollution Control Services Department, who is on scene and investigating the issues. We’re considering all legal options to keep Harris County residents safe,” he tweeted.

Although there were mainly industrial facilities in the evacuation zone, there was at least one neighborhood with less than 10 homes that were in the affected area.

A local elementary school was also forced to evacuate but has since been allowed to resume activities.

Former PEMEX boss Lozoya is also accused of authorizing the purchase of a rundown fertilizer factory for suspiciously inflated price Former PEMEX boss Lozoya is also accused of authorizing the purchase of a rundown fertilizer factory for suspiciously inflated price Photo: AFP / OMAR TORRES