A chemical spill at Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions near Main and Hunt Roads in Baytown has set off a massive emergency response involving local and county agencies.
What happened?
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It all started on Tuesday when a fire broke out at the facility, fueled by two hazardous chemicals—methyl palmitate and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. By Saturday, officials confirmed that chemicals had seeped into a nearby drainage area, creating a serious environmental hazard.
At approximately 10 a.m., Baytown Fire Department crews responded to a brush fire in the 6400 block of N. Main St. Upon...
Posted by Baytown Fire Department on Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The response
Emergency crews jumped into action. Baytown officials say the Baytown Fire Department, Harris County Public Health, TCEQ, and several other agencies are working around the clock to contain the contamination. Hazmat teams, backed by Baytown’s Public Works, are testing soil and water to keep the community safe.
Residents in the affected areas aren’t being left behind—Precinct 2 crews are going door to door, dropping off bottled water, and making sure people have what they need while the cleanup continues.
Strong words from Commissioner Garcia
Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia didn’t hold back after visiting the site on Friday.
“I was appalled to see the extent to which Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions failed in numerous ways their responsibilities as a handler of hazardous materials,” Garcia said in a statement about the chemical spill.
Garcia went on to call for accountability from Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions.
“There is a price to pay for putting people and the local environment in danger,” Garcia said. “Cutting corners may save a few bucks, but if there is negligence, the costs incurred by the public will be paid back fully.”
Investigations and ongoing concerns
The situation took a troubling turn when Judge Lina Hidalgo revealed the facility had been storing chemicals without proper permits.
Hildago revealed that many of the containers were unlabeled, so investigators still don’t know exactly what leaked. Tests to identify the chemicals are in progress, with results expected soon.
