Early morning explosion at the TPC Plant in Port Neches, TCEQ currently "conducting handheld monitoring for various compounds including VOCs, benzene, lower explosive limit, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and radiation" https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/The-latest-Explosion-at-Port-Neches-plant-14866093.php

According to the @EPA, the TPC Plant has been in non-compliance 12 separate quarters over the last 3 years, and has received 7 formal enforcement actions over the last 5 years.

https://echo.epa.gov/facilities/facility-search/results

According to the #TCEQ, the chemical of most concern is #butadiene. The TPC plant emitted 61,379 pounds of butadiene in 2018. Butadiene is a known human carcinogen.

https://echo.epa.gov/detailed-facility-report?fid=110000504801

This Google Maps screenshoot of the TPC Plant highlights its proximity to local neighborhoods, businesses, and schools, including the Port Neches Middle and Elementary schools.

And, all of this on the heels of the Trump Administration's @EPA overturning major parts of the Chemical Disaster Rule, which would better prepare first responders, workers, and local communities for disasters like these, and help prevent them in the first place.

Disasters like these are terrifying and unacceptable, and the @TCEQ and @EPA need to take enforcement action and strengthen safety regulations, like the Chemical Disaster Rule, to build safer and healthier communities. #CleanUpTCEQ