Hurricane Prompts Release Of More Than 5 Million Pounds Of Pollutants In Texas

Hurricane Harvey triggered the release of 5.46 million pounds of air pollution from oil and gas facilities along Texas' Gulf Coast, according to a report from an environmental advocacy group.

The Center for Biological Diversity compiled the totals from company reports to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as of Aug. 31; the numbers are expected to grow when September filings are factored in.

“Oil-industry facilities spewed thousands of tons of toxic chemicals into defenseless communities, despite ample warning about hurricane risk to this area,” study author Shaye Wolf said in a statement.

The storm caused high-profile explosions and leaks from several facilities in south Texas, one of the nation's hubs for petrochemical complexes and refineries. The CBD said that tank roof failures at six facilities emitted some air pollution, but that most resulted from flaring during shutdown and startup procedures.

“Dangerous flaring from coastal refineries has become routine during major storms," Wolf said. "The petroleum industry seems utterly unwilling to take responsibility for operating safely, even as climate change makes storms like Harvey more destructive.” 

The group added that 951,000 pounds of air pollutants were hazardous chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks, namely benzene, 1,3-butadiene, hexane, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, toluene and xylene.