Reports from ABC13 in Houston.
Records show ITC has a long history of questionable environmental practices.
As the Houston Chronicle reports:
Before it was engulfed in flames, a Deer Park chemical facility had a long history of violating state and federal environmental rules.
Intercontinental Terminals Company’s Deer Park facility violated clean air and clean water rules multiple times. All since 2009 and was cited for not following federal risk management regulations, records show. In addition, federal, state and county regulators issued more than $65,000. That’s moreover in civil penalties to ITC during that time.
Furthermore, Environment Texas says the company has already released excessive emissions. I mean 3.1 million pounds of unauthorized emissions into the air. All consequently during this fire alone.
There were at least 39 unauthorized air releases since 2003.
By Miya Shay
Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 3:53PM
HOUSTON,Texas (KTRK) — The smoke billowing into the air so thick. So much that even plant workers who grew up in the area say they can’t. They remember a fire of this scale.
“That is very scary, they could go, could chain reaction, if they don’t watch it,” said one worker.
Yet, Monday morning, even after confirming seven storage tanks were burning the spin started. For executives with Intercontinental Terminals Company, or ITC, downplayed the environmental impact.
“We continue to monitor the air quality in and around the area,” said David Wascome, ITC spokesperson.
“At this time, (levels are) still within normal range, but we’re still monitoring, ” said Wascome.
For the entire story on ABC13 in Channel 13
