Approximately 1 million gallons of spent sulfuric acid leaked from a storage tank at a Channelview facility early Saturday morning, with some of the chemical spilling into the nearby ship channel, according to officials.
The incident prompted a swift response from authorities, who reported that two individuals were hospitalized due to respiratory issues, while an additional 38 were treated on-site.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies were dispatched to BWC Terminals, located on Jacintoport Boulevard, around 2 a.m. following the collapse of a catwalk that led to the sulfuric acid leak. Judge Hidalgo confirmed that the tank involved held approximately 1 million gallons of the chemical. Although most of the spilled acid was contained within the facility’s designated area, a portion did enter the water.
Emergency responders, including the Channelview Fire Department, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Coast Guard, are on-site to assist with monitoring efforts and mitigating the situation.
While the investigation into the cause of the gangway’s collapse is ongoing, a representative from BWC Terminals reported that the spill has been contained and remediation efforts are in progress. All employees at the facility are accounted for and safe. The company is collaborating with local and federal authorities to address the environmental impact and ensure community safety.
BWC Terminals issued a statement detailing the incident, confirming that the majority of the spilled sulfuric acid was confined to the facility’s containment area. They also noted that, despite a small amount entering the Houston Ship Channel, there have been no adverse effects reported on marine life, and the channel remains operational.
Continuous air quality monitoring is being conducted to protect employees and residents in the surrounding areas. Of the 44 individuals evaluated, two were taken to a local hospital for further assessment, but both have since been released.
The community has not been ordered to shelter in place as air quality levels are reported to be normal. Maj. Joseph Blendermann indicated that only the ships docked at the facilities were affected and contained.
Judge Hidalgo reassured the public that there are no nearby recreational water areas impacted by the spill and reported no sightings of dead fish, although further evaluations of the environmental impact will be conducted once it is deemed safe.
Traffic disruptions are limited to the vicinity of the affected facility, with no broader impacts reported.
