HOUSTON (AP) — Flooding caused by Tropical Storm Imelda triggered the release of about 100,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms) of toxic air pollutants from chemical plants and refineries in Southeast Texas, state environmental records show.
Industrial facilities are vulnerable when struck by storms like Imelda, which dumped about 43 inches (109 centimeters) of rain last week, the Houston Chronicle reported. The unauthorized release of toxins happened due to electrical outages, floating roof tank failures and equipment malfunctions.
About a dozen companies reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that the flooding had forced unauthorized emissions of pollutants, including cancer-causing 1,3 butadiene, benzene and ethylene oxide. The emissions are not yet a cause for concern, the agency said.
