The Examiner

4/1/2010 11:25:00 AM

Shelter in place

Calabrian Chemical sulfur dioxide leak March 18 in Port Neches [Texas] showed strengths, weaknesses of emergency planning

James Shannon
Mid & South County Editor

When a pipeline on the second level of a truck-loading platform at Calabrian Chemical Company on Highway 366 in Port Neches sprung a leak, spewing sulfur dioxide gas into the air last week, the response by emergency personnel - both inside the plant and from the first responders from Port Neches and Groves - was prompt and effective.

Initial reports indicate the incident was resolved without injuries to persons in the area and no further damage to property. But a review by The Examiner uncovered holes in the safety net that could prove problematic if a more serious incident should occur. Public safety officials in both cities said they were aware of those gaps and were already working to close them at the time of the Calabrian incident….([1] Full Story)