Environmental monitoring underway after about 1M gallons of sulfuric acid leaks near the Houston Ship Channel, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two people were rushed to a hospital with respiratory issues after a sulfuric acid leak at a facility near the Houston Ship Channel in the Channelview area early Saturday morning, according to Harris County officials.

This happened at a plant along Jacintoport Boulevard around 1:40 a.m. at the BWC Terminals facility. 

A total of 44 people were evaluated at the site as a precaution. Of those 44, officials said two were taken to a hospital and have since been released.

Authorities said a catwalk structure collapsed, damaging a sulfuric acid line and causing it to leak about 1 million gallons. In a statement, BWC said the majority of the acid was released into a designated containment area, but an unknown amount did leak into the Houston Ship Channel.

The channel remains open with minor impacts.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story said that about a million gallons of sulfuric acid leaked into the ship channel. After receiving clarification, the story was updated to say only a portion of the leaked acid ended up in the ship channel.

Company officials said the leak was limited to its tank farm.

Officials said air monitoring showed there was no threat to the community. Monitoring will continue through the rest of the day.

As for the water quality, Harris County Lina Hidalgo said there have not been any signs of impacts to aquatic life as of 9:30 a.m.

Authorities said at a 9:30 a.m. update that the leak has been contained, but the incident remains active.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was also called to the scene. 

Hidalgo said an investigation into the incident is underway. She said the company has been cooperative with officials and the facility will be closed until further notice.

Read Hidalgo’s full statement below:

“I’m grateful to the first responders who acted quickly to contain the sulfuric acid leak at BWC Terminals in Channelview this morning. Federal, state, and local agencies, including the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, TCEQ, and our Harris County Fire Marshal’s and Sheriff’s Offices, worked together seamlessly to respond.

“A walkway collapsed and hit a valve, which caused a leak in a tank holding approximately one million gallons of sulfuric acid. While this is understandably alarming, air monitoring shows impacts remain limited to the immediate area around the facility. Two individuals were transported to the hospital as a precaution and have since been released.

“Since sulfuric acid did leak into the Houston Ship Channel, the primary concern at this point is environmental. Monitoring is ongoing to keep track of effects to water pH and aquatic ecosystems. This appears to be an accident, and the Fire Marshal’s Office will work with local, state and federal agencies to conduct a full investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.”

Read BWC’s full statement below:

“At approximately 1:40 a.m., an incident occurred involving a spent sulfuric acid storage tank at BWC Terminals’ Jacintoport facility.

“The incident involved a 25,000-barrel storage tank containing approximately 1 million gallons of spent sulfuric acid. The majority of this material was released into the facility’s designated containment area. However, an unknown amount of product did enter the water at the Jacintoport slip off the Houston Ship Channel, but there have been no reported impacts on marine life, and the Houston Ship Channel remains open.

“Emergency response teams and regulatory authorities remain on site and are actively engaged.

“Continuous air monitoring is underway to ensure the safety of employees and the surrounding community. BWC Terminals is working closely with appropriate agencies to manage the situation and mitigate any potential environmental impact.

“All employees at BWC Terminals are safe and accounted for. A total of 44 individuals were evaluated on-site, and two were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment; both have since been released.

“The safety of our employees, local communities, and the environment remains our top priority.

“The cause of the incident is still under investigation. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.”

According to the National Institute of Health, sulfuric acid is a corrosive, colorless liquid capable of charring “wood and most other organic matter on contact.”

The NIH said it can cause irritation and severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

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