On the afternoon of May 5, 2023, EPA Region 6 response center was notified of a fire at 5900 Highway 225 at the Shell Deer Park Facility. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), EPA and local agencies, including those from Deer Park, Houston, Harris County, and the Shell facility emergency crews, responded to the fire. Shell reported the unit on fire was the Olefins 3 Unit which produces ethylene.

Although the fire was contained hours later, it reignited at about 4:15 pm on May 6 due to residue in the concrete containment area. This fire was extinguished around 8 pm on May 7. EPA and technical assistance contractors were re-mobilized on May 6 and continue to be on scene and remain in close coordination with TCEQ to supplement and support the agencies’ response.

Emergency air monitoring is being conducted as part of the emergency response. EPA and TCEQ conducted air monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including Benzene. No measurements above the detection limit of 100 ppb of total VOCs have been detected thus far. This area is routinely monitored for air pollution by TCEQ, EPA and the facility. The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH) and TCEQ are conducting community air monitoring, including the utilization of TCEQ’s air monitoring vans.

EPA will continue to support the response. EPA continues to coordinate with TCEQ and local response agencies.