April 2, 2019
Update on ITC Deer Park Incident
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) 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.
According to Harris County Public Health (HCPH), the health risk potential remains low for the general public, but recommends that anyone having health concerns should contact their healthcare provider. 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 – (713) 634-1110 between 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. – to help answer basic health questions.
Today, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office fire investigators began their exterior examination of the fire scene at ITC. Investigators were able to take some exterior photos of the scene from areas considered safe by Unified Command.
Harris County Pollution Control Services (HCPCS) continues to assist ITC with the assessment of the cleanup process. HCPCS is currently sampling designated locations via boat and reviewing data to determine when Harris County Precinct 2 parks can reopen. HCPCS is also working with contractor (PSI) to review surface water data accumulated from all agencies involved. Harris County contractor (Turnstone) will conduct air monitoring throughout the cleanup or until further notice.
ITC reports that teams are deployed in and around Deer Park to monitor and quickly report any potential elevation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and all readings have been below any actionable levels. Crews continue to monitor air quality by land and air to report any elevated VOCs around the industrial area near the incident site.
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.
The U.S. Coast Guard said that while they are making progress cleaning up affected areas, they still do not have a firm timeline as to when the Houston Ship Channel will open to all traffic. Currently, the Houston Ship Channel is operating only during daylight hours.
Closures
Harris County Precinct 2 confirmed the following parks remain closed 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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