According to the 008 Outfall Response article published on May 7, 2023, as a result of the large amount of water required to control the fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility, wastewater storage capacity has been exceeded, and runoff water is being directed to the channel as part of a controlled discharge. As a precaution, boom has been deployed to prevent any product from entering the channel.
Water continues to be added to nearby retention ponds with an expectation that when the fire is extinguished, large volumes will still be needed to cool equipment for up to 36 hours.
Air monitoring is ongoing and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals affecting neighboring communities. There is no danger to the nearby community, however residents and neighbors may notice black smoke, flaring and increased noise from the facility.
Our immediate priorities remain the safety of people and the environment.
