HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A sulfuric acid leak was reported at an industrial facility in Channelview after a catwalk structure collapsed onto a six-inch supply line early Saturday morning.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 2 a.m. at the BWC facility when the structural failure caused the leak. Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a call around 2:40 a.m. and secured the area.
Hazmat teams from Harris County and the Channelview Fire Department were dispatched, along with the Sheriff’s Office Industrial Emergency Unit, which specializes in chemical plant response. Officials said the leak was isolated to the dock area near the San Jacinto port, where two vessels were docked.
Two individuals were transported to the hospital with respiratory issues. Approximately 38 others aboard the two ships were triaged at a nearby location as a precaution. Authorities confirmed the leak posed no threat to the general public, and the Houston Ship Channel remained open.
Traffic was temporarily restricted to allow emergency vehicles access to the site. Officials stated the leak was expected to be fully contained within an hour, with clean-up operations to follow.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is also on scene to monitor conditions. No shelter-in-place orders have been issued, and air quality is not believed to be impacted at this time.
