Adam Zvanich/Houston Public Media
The owner of the pipeline that ruptured in LaPorte on Monday has released an initial report after it burned for four straight days about what chemicals may have been released into the air as a result.
According to a company report filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the pipeline fire released the following chemicals over a 10-hour period on Monday:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 330,621 pounds, nitrous oxides (NOx) 68,780 pounds, n-pentane 143,278 pounds, isobutane 108,408 pounds, carbon monoxide 137,310 pounds
This is only a conservative initial report, and the company says it plans to provide more details in a final report, although there is currently no word on when that final report will be released.
According to the City of Deer Park Emergency Management Agency, the pipeline fire started around 10 a.m. Monday when a vehicle crashed through a fence and struck a pipeline valve on the ground. On Thursday, authorities said human remains were found inside the SUV that allegedly struck the pipeline. Four people, including a firefighter, were also injured in the fire. A criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing, but the possibility of terrorism was ruled out early on.
Public health advocacy group Air Alliance Houston released a statement about the initial report, saying some of the chemicals are known to have potential adverse health effects.
Air Alliance said both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have identified n-pentane and isobutane as special health hazards that can irritate the nose, throat, eyes, skin and lungs.
The EPA’s report on N-pentane indicates that the chemical may be dangerous to humans and animals, but the agency’s website says that data on N-pentane’s toxicity is limited and the report should be considered preliminary.
Gunnar Schaade, a professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences, told Houston Public Media that there are likely many more contaminants than were listed in the original report.
“The compounds listed are simply expected for combustion reasons,” he said in a statement. “It appears that methane, ethane and propane were assumed to have been completely combusted. … As is clear from the video footage, large amounts of soot were also produced, which is a potent greenhouse gas warmer and potentially harmful particulate matter.”
Schade said the flames may have also produced formaldehyde and benzene, chemicals that are even more toxic than butane and pentane, as a result of incomplete combustion.
On Tuesday morning, before the release of the preliminary report, La Porte Emergency Management released a statement on social media saying multiple agencies were at the scene monitoring the air.
“Third-party air monitors contracted by Energy Transfer and Harris County Hazmat have inspected both San Jacinto College and La Porte Independent School District campuses to ensure the safety of students and staff,” the statement said. “At this time, there are no significant health concerns for area residents.”
At 7:10 p.m. Thursday, the cities of Deer Park and LaPorte released a joint statement saying the fire had been contained.
“Energy Transfer Corp., Harris County Pollution Control Agency and a third-party contractor hired by the county are continuing their air monitoring efforts,” Thursday’s statement said. “The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) has been in (the area) this week and will return on Monday to walk the affected areas and meet with residents regarding remaining needs.”
Officials also announced Thursday evening that the majority of residents and business owners can now return to their homes and workplaces.
