Shelter in place lifted for WO, Orangefield and BC
8:30pm – Following rigorous testing and continuous air quality monitoring, the unified command of all agencies involved has determined that there are no longer detectable levels of ethyl acrylate in the affected area. As a result, the shelter-in-place order imposed earlier today will be lifted effective 8:00 PM, July 18, 2024.
Ethyl acrylate, the product identified as the cause of concern, has been successfully mitigated, ensuring the safety of our citizens. A comprehensive report detailing all activities and measures taken during this incident will be released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the next 24 hours. This report will be available on the EPA website and will also be shared via the Orange County Emergency Management Facebook page. “We sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by all citizens throughout this event,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia. “Our priority remains the safety and protection of our community, and we commend everyone for their resilience and understanding.”
Ethyl acrylate is an organic compound with the formula CH₂CHCO₂CH₂CH₃. It is the ethyl ester of acrylic acid. It is a colourless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor. It is mainly produced for paints, textiles, and non-woven fibers. It is also a reagent in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical intermediates.
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4pm update from OCEM: An investigation by officials has determined that a rail car at Eagle Rail Site on Foreman Road is conducting a controlled flaring operation, which is expected to continue for several more hours until completion. Air monitoring is underway, and a determination on when to lift the current shelter-in-place order will be made after the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) completes their toxicology reporting.
Currently, West Orange, Bridge City, and Orangefield remain under shelter-in-place orders. Citizens are advised to take precautions in these areas.
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1:10pm- From Orange County Emergency Mgmt.
As a precautionary measure a shelter in place has been issued due to an unknown chemical
release in the areas for residents of West Orange, Bridge City and Orangefield. (This does not include the City of Orange. Orange Emergency Mgmt has not called for a mandatory shelter in place)
To shelter in place – get inside, turn off air conditioning and try to block air from entering the room you are in. Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. Emergency Management officials from several agencies are currently monitoring the situation and will release updates as soon as they have them.
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11:30am- Reports of a chemical spill/leak near Chemical Row. Some plants releasing non-essential employees but as of post a shelter in place has not been called for West Orange. Little info at this time as they’re still trying to find location of leak. Acadian ambulances were standing by in case anyone had issues from the smell.
From DOW: Dow’s Sabine River Operations in Orange, Texas, is actively working with local response agencies in investigating the source of an external odor. According to Dow’s inspection, the odor is not from Dow. Non-essential employees have been evacuated as a precaution while the site remains under shelter in place.
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