Representatives visit areas impacted by major petrochemical plant fire
Officials began visiting areas impacted by a fiery blast at a TPC Group facility on Port Neches, Texas, that injured three workers, blew locked doors off their hinges and was felt in communities far from the site. The plant makes chemicals used in production of synthetic rubber, resins and an octane-boosting component of gasoline. Unified Command remains focused on mitigating the event and maintaining the safety of responders and the community.
Response measures are ongoing and the fire at TPC’s Port Neches Operations continues to be contained. Unified Command remains focused on mitigating the event and maintaining the safety of responders and the community.
An impacted distillation tower at TPC’s Port Neches Operations fell inside the fence line as a result of the ongoing event. This was an anticipated result of the fire and response teams managed the action accordingly. No one was injured and there were no offsite impacts.
Unified Command confirmed that all towers have been accounted for. The noise heard in nearby areas resulted from settling of impacted equipment at TPC Group Port Neches Operations as a result of the ongoing event. No additional towers have fallen.
Claims activities update: Claims representatives began visiting area residents to assess any impacts as a result of the recent event at TPC Group’s Port Neches Operations. Claims representatives began door-to-door visits to all homes within the area of highest impact closest to the event (zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) as noted on the Impact Areas Overview Map attached.
Residents who live outside the area of highest impact and have filed insurance claims through the Community Assistance Helpline (866-601-5880) will be contacted and visited by appointment. Additional claims representatives have been deployed into all areas to respond as quickly as possible. Claims visits will continue for several days across all impact areas.
Regarding information displayed on the Impact Areas Overview Map:
- The map displays three impact areas: high, moderate and low. Within the high impact area, zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been established to ensure an efficient claims adjustment process. Please note that zone numbers do not indicate priority, claims response will be concurrent across impact areas.
- Zones within the high impact area noted on the map are currently being inspected and it is anticipated that this will continue through the week until completed.
- Claims representatives are inspecting moderate and low impact areas noted on the map as inquiries are received through Community Assistance Hotline and home inspections are scheduled.
- Claims representatives in the community will wear identification badges and identify themselves as representatives of “Global Risk Solutions.”
Debris assessments: Residents who have contacted the Community Assistance Helpline with concerns about debris on their property, are continuing to be visited by environmental response specialists with CTEH. They are conducting debris assessments both indoor and outdoor and leading removal efforts. CTEH will continue to respond to requests received via the Community Assistance Helpline as well as assessments of homes and yards within approximately one-half mile of the TPC Port Neches Operations fence line.
Air Quality update: Unified Command remains diligent in its efforts to monitor air quality around the facility and in the community. Federal, state, and local agencies have been conducting stationary and roaming air monitoring since the event occurred, and will continue to do so through the course of the event. Monitoring results continue to indicate no human health concerns.
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