About 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid were released from an industrial facility in Channelview early Saturday, with some entering the Houston Ship Channel. Officials said two people were briefly hospitalized and released, no evacuations were ordered, and monitoring showed no immediate public health impacts, though environmental effects remain under review.
Approximately 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid spilled from an industrial site located east of Houston early Saturday morning. An undetermined quantity has entered the Houston Ship Channel, prompting air and water quality assessments and an evaluation of potential environmental consequences, officials said.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reported that the incident took place at approximately 1:40 a.m., following the collapse of an elevated walkway that ruptured a pipeline at a facility managed by BWC Terminals in Channelview. During a news conference, Hidalgo reported that two individuals were taken to a hospital and subsequently released, while an additional 44 were treated on-site and also released.
On Saturday, air and water quality were monitored as a precautionary measure. Hidalgo expressed that the primary concern may be environmental, as a portion of the sulfuric acid has reached the Houston Ship Channel. BWC Terminals reported that the majority of the material was directed into a designated containment area; however, officials have not yet provided an estimate of the volume that entered the channel.
“We want to reassure the community that we have conducted measurements and will persist in monitoring the air quality in your area,” Hidalgo stated. “Fortunately, there has been no effect.”
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive substance that poses serious risks, including severe burns and respiratory irritation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that significant exposure can lead to fatal consequences.
A representative from the Channelview Fire Department stated that an evacuation of residents was “highly considered” but ultimately deemed unnecessary. Hidalgo noted that there are no residential neighborhoods or recreational areas nearby, and a secure perimeter has been established around the facility.
At the time of the release, two ships were stationed in the impacted section of the channel. Hidalgo stated that the crews were in excellent condition and confirmed that the larger ship channel was still accessible.
“The leak is entering the ship channel, which indicates that the sulfuric acid is mixing with the water,” Hidalgo stated. “The pressing inquiry is whether aquatic life will be impacted.” For instance, there have been no reports of dead fish sightings. However, our search will continue.
Authorities announced that surveillance will persist in the upcoming days, with information shared if circumstances evolve.
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