On October 10, 2024, at approximately 6:30
pm, the EPA was notified by the National Response Center regarding a
release of hydrogen sulfide from the PEMEX refinery at Deer Park, Texas. EPA
activated response personnel to conduct air monitoring in downwind communities
and arrived on-scene around midnight.
Hydrogen sulfide is highly flammable and
toxic. According to the Potential Responsible Party (PRP), the release of
material occurred from a pipe during scheduled maintenance. The release
was verified to have been isolated and routed to the flare within 40 minutes of
the incident. EPA air monitoring equipment did not detect hydrogen sulfide, and
air monitoring results for sulfur dioxide were below levels of concern in the
hours following the reported release. Residents are advised to be alert for
safety orders from local authorities, which are responsible for issuing and
amending shelter-in-place and other safety measures.
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