The US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has launched a probe into a deadly chemical leak at LyondellBasell’s site in La Porte, Texas. LyondellBasell reported a release of around 100,000 lb of a mixture that included acetic acid at 19:35 Houston time on Tuesday. Two contractors were killed, while five other contractors and one LyondellBasell’s worker were sent to local hospitals for treatment. No shelter-in order was issued for the La Porte community after air monitoring did not result in actionable levels.
Along with the CSB, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were also notified about the incident. The CSB said it would provide an update once the investigation is underway. The site produces 544,000 tons/year of acetic acid and 385,000 tons/year of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM). LyondellBasell previously said that the unit was taken offline on Tuesday for planned maintenance.
