April 01, 2019
Update on ITC Deer Park Incident
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management continues to work with response partners to monitor events related the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire incident in the City of Deer Park. Harris County remains focused on the health and safety of the entire community.
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reports that current health-related data from multiple sources indicates there continues to be an overall
low health risk for the general public. Partners continue to report steady progress in the response and recovery efforts with the chemical tanks at the ITC plant, the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding areas.
HCPH continues to work with its healthcare partners and recommends that any individuals who have health concerns should contact their healthcare provider or if more serious, call 911. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can find a local health center near you at
https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/, or you can call the Harris Health System’s ‘Ask My Nurse’ helpline – open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily – to help answer basic health questions. The number is (713) 634-1110.
According to ITC, product removal from the tank farm will continue today. Pumping was suspended over the weekend when elevated levels of Benzene were detected near the plant; however, no residential areas were impacted. Updated air quality monitoring information is available at
https://www.readyharris.org/Incidents/Deer-Park-Fire.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) launched a new interactive resource to help keep the public informed about the response activities at ITC; this is available on the TCEQ’s website.
Closings
Harris County Precinct 2 confirmed the following parks remain close as a precaution:
- Bay Area Park in Houston
- Clear Lake Park in Seabrook
- Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte
- Juan Seguin in La Porte
- Rio Villa Nature Trail in Houston
- Meadowbrook Park in Channelview
- River Terrace Park in Channelview
- Michael Moncrief Park in Channelview
The La Porte Office of Emergency Management confirmed Seabreeze Park and Klein Retreat in La Porte remain closed until further notice.
The Lynchburg Ferry remains closed until further notice.
The San Jacinto Museum has cancelled the 2019 San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment scheduled for April 13.
What you should do:
- Listen to local officials for updates on the situation and for any actions you may need to take.
- Monitor local weather forecasts: National Weather Service
- If you do not feel well, contact your healthcare provider, or, if more serious, call 9-1-1.
Where you can learn more:
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