Skip to content

As Mid County residents return home, officials warn of debris & asbestos concerns

As Mid County residents return home, officials warn of debris & asbestos concerns

Asbestos at the plant was compromised during TPC plant explosions and fires

PORT NECHES, Texas — Jefferson County Emergency Management officials have lifted an evacuation order for the four-mile radius surrounding the TPC plant in Port Neches. But they warn residents returning that they may find debris and even asbestos in yards.

“As people return home, please survey your yard and its condition,” Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said.

Branick also warned that some asbestos installed at the plant could have been blown into surrounding neighborhoods. He asked residents to watch for metallic debris and for things covered in a white, chalky substance.

“There was some asbestos, either blanket, pipe covering or block that was installed. One of the vessels that was compromised and had an explosion could have blown that asbestos debris over the neighborhoods and into some yards,” Branick said.

Branick says that if you find debris in your yard or notice that white, chalky substance to call the TPC hotline at 866-601-5880.

“(TPC) will come to your house and do air monitoring if you request it,” Branick said. “Act with caution and watch out for other metallic debris that might be in your yard.”

Fred Heubach lives on Gist Dr. in Port Neches. He sent 12News pictures of charred debris in his back yard.

Steve Tingler had pictures of debris in his yard in Orange County that he believes may be from the TPC plant explosion.

Branick and other officials say that while the evacuation order has been lifted, some streets around the plant are restricted.

“I want to make clear that no one is to approach the TPC plant, there are areas that are going to be blocked off,” Branick said. “Chief Lemoin and his law enforcement are going to be enforcing that closure.”

 

SOURCE: https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/local/officials-warn-of-debris-and-asbestos-concerns/502-2150d48a-2844-4a32-ba84-1bf21d5e0d20

search

our offices

  • Beaumont Office

    215 Orleans St.
    Beaumont, TX 77701

  • Houston Office

    300 Fannin St.
    Suite 300
    Houston, TX 77002

  • Burbank Office

    4111 W. Alameda Avenue
    Suite 611
    Burbank, California 91505

  • Denver Office

    3801 E. Florida Ave.
    Suite 905
    Denver, CO 80210-2500

  • Philadelphia Office

    1500 Walnut Street
    Suite 2000
    Philadelphia, PA 19102

FROM THE BLOG

TEXAS LAWYER – Judge Spends 3 Hours Explaining His Decision

TEXAS LAWYER – January 17, 2025 – By Adolfo Pesquera A judge sympathetic to the hundreds of victims of the massive Port Neches refinery explosion was not able to convince the defendant corporation to pay $292 A proposed plea agreement between federal prosecutors and TPC Group that involved negotiations that excluded the crime victims, fell…

FEDERAL JUDGE LOWERS THE BOOM ON TPC FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES BROUGHT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE / TPC WALKS

FEDERAL JUDGE LOWERS THE BOOM ON TPC FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES BROUGHT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE / TPC WALKS On Friday, January 10, 2025, Federal Court Judge Michael Truncale called the attorneys representing the victims of the TPC refinery explosion case, TPC defense counsel and the Government  prosecutors back to his courtroom so he could…

UPDATE ON TPC LITIGATION – TPC Withdraws from Plea Agreement

Beaumont — TPC has withdrawn from its plea agreement with the government during a federal sentencing hearing for the 2019 plant explosion and fire in Port Neches, based on the judge’s decision to increase restitution, and TPC is now prepared to go to trial. U.S. District Court Judge Michael Truncale held the hearing Friday at…