Following Chemical Plant Fires, Texas’ Harris County to Hire More Environmental Experts
Harris County plans to hire additional environmental personnel to better respond to dangerous chemical plant and refinery fires like ones that occurred this year near the Houston Ship Channel.
The Houston Chronicle reports county commissioners have approved an $11.6 million plan for the 61 new hires and updated equipment for handling environmental emergencies.
The fiery chemical-related accidents since March included a July 31 blaze at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Baytown that left more than three dozen people with minor injuries.
A Chronicle investigation found that staffing levels at three county departments have failed to keep pace with years of increased commercial activity along the ship channel.
Officials say the new staff and equipment will support the offices of fire marshal, pollution control and public health.
- Official: Harris County Sues Exxon Over Air Pollution from Petrochemical Fire
- Fire at Texas Plant Could Disrupt Exxon’s Chemical Business
- Houston Channel Still Closed as Chemical Fire Cleanup Continues; Texas Sues ITC
- Houston-Area Chemical Blaze Intensifies After Loss of Water Pressure
- Risks Too Big for Insurers Just Fed a $200 Billion Market Boom in Captives
- New York City’s Biggest Taxi Insurer Is Insolvent, Risking Transit Meltdown
- Lyft is a Motor Carrier and State Farm Can Be Sued Directly, Georgia Court Says
- Former NFL Player’s $43.5 Million Score in Medical Malpractice Case Upheld