According to the 008 Outfall Response article published on May 9, 2023, due to the significant rainfall amounts, the on-site storage reached a point that required runoff water to be directed to the Houston Ship Channel as part of a controlled discharge at approximately 11:28 a.m. Boom continues to be used to prevent any product from entering the channel and the facility continues water sampling.
After eliminating discharge to the channel on May 8, the Unified Command continued to monitor on-site retention ponds and established conditions for managing water in rain events. A controlled release will be executed when the pond reaches 70% capacity and will be closed when water capacity lowers to 50% when discharge will cease.
