HOUSTON (AP) — The company that operates a petrochemical tank farm near Houston where a dayslong fire damaged several tanks says it’s working to remove flammable product without allowing dangerous emissions to again escape into the air.
Brent Weber with Intercontinental Terminals Company said during a news conference Friday that crews are pumping about 20,000 barrels of liquid out of a damaged tank.
He says foam will be repeatedly sprayed over the tank to avoid benzene from seeping into the air.
The tanks contained components of gasoline and materials used in nail polish remover, glues and paint thinner.
People living near the plant in Deer Park were told Thursday to remain indoors after air monitors detected elevated levels of benzene. The order was lifted later Thursday.
The fire began Sunday and was extinguished Wednesday.