"Arkema was among many chemical companies that fought regulations issued by the Obama administration to tighten safety at facilities nationwide. The rules, which included provisions to require companies to coordinate more closely with emergency responders.....
But in June the Trump administration delayed enforcement of the regulations until at least early 2019. That followed lobbying against the rules by the chemicals industry, including Arkema, which argued that they were too costly and would jeopardize trade secrets."
And there you have it. Corporate America fighting regulations that would keep surrounding communities safe, and the Republicans aiding and abetting that effort, all in the name of the almighty dollar.
But in June the Trump administration delayed enforcement of the regulations until at least early 2019. That followed lobbying against the rules by the chemicals industry, including Arkema, which argued that they were too costly and would jeopardize trade secrets."
And there you have it. Corporate America fighting regulations that would keep surrounding communities safe, and the Republicans aiding and abetting that effort, all in the name of the almighty dollar.
6
Considering Houston's record flooding history, shouldn't Congress attach riders to the relief act that disbursement of federal funds is contingent on Texas setting some standards or instituting some regulations to address future flooding disasters? Because we know it won't be long before the area gets hit with another whopper.
5
The idea that the chemical plant's backup plan with generators failed is particularly alarming. What did they do. Install them at ground level?
Common sense would dictate that the vital backup source of energy to keep volatile chemicals cooled for safety would be built to sit above even a 1000 year flood level. And that cables carrying juice to the reefer units doing the work were similarly designed as well.
It is amazing that they, and all other such plants have not done this by now.
Common sense would dictate that the vital backup source of energy to keep volatile chemicals cooled for safety would be built to sit above even a 1000 year flood level. And that cables carrying juice to the reefer units doing the work were similarly designed as well.
It is amazing that they, and all other such plants have not done this by now.
6
I think most of us don't think of flooding when we think of Houston. Big mistake. From the Harris County Flood Control Department, the county has been flooding since 1836 and is has been on a regular basis. The devastation in 2001 in Hurricane Allison was extensive. Since the government instituted the Flood Insurance program, Harris County has collected more funds than any other county in the program.
4
After Fukushima, considering Houston is "storm-prone," this is inexcusable. I hope lawsuits follow. 3 500 year storms in the space of 3 years and they can't incorporate contingency plans for worst case scenarios? Granted nobody anticipated 50 inches of rain but the area is regularly impacted by severe flooding and hurricanes. If you can't afford the safeguards, move someplace else where hurricanes and floods are far less likely.
This is why regulations are not only needed but are imperative and why Scott Pruitt shouldn't be in charge of the EPA.
This is why regulations are not only needed but are imperative and why Scott Pruitt shouldn't be in charge of the EPA.
6
Arkema was also fined 119 million Euro by the European Commission for running a cartel. This was reduced on appeal.
The environmental regulations in their home country, France, are much stronger than in Texas.
The environmental regulations in their home country, France, are much stronger than in Texas.
9
How in this world are there 500,000 (half million) illegal aliens in the Houston area alone? This situation has been allowed to get out of hand and something must be done.
2
I thought this article was about the dangers caused by the Arkema Plant due to the lack of environmental regulations. Obviously, these are much more dangerous than the incredible number of undocumented immigrants living in Texas!
3
What about toxic contamination of flooded crops on land and seafood from the gulf? Other NYT articles about lax regulations in Texas worries me. And now it seems environmental safeguards are being weakened at the Federal level. It brings to mind the toxic baby formula from China, also attributed to weak environmental enforcement. Can it happen here?
7
I'm afraid it's already happening!
3
Texas demands that no authorities compel businesses to burden themselves with the costs of dealing with externalities. It's simple, really. As any business person understands the more constraints the fewer ways are available to reduce costs and to make profits, so removing any requirements by state and local governments to reduce risks to the public means more business conducted in Texas and more money can be retained by the owners. In such an environment it is to be expected that a lot of risky business operations will concentrate to take advantage of this favorable set of circumstances. Of course it means that when things go wrong, they go extremely destructively wrong, but that's just the price of conducting business with a maximum of freedom.
It's great that so many people in Texas are such generous people in catastrophic events like this hurricane. There really is not much that even a rationally prudent state like New York or California could to prevent the suffering from this kind of out of normal event, and the help from the rest of the country that is needed should be provided quickly and continuously until the region has recovered. But it would be nice if Texans started to consider imposing some standards to reduce the risks from their wild and reckless policies and practices overall.
It's great that so many people in Texas are such generous people in catastrophic events like this hurricane. There really is not much that even a rationally prudent state like New York or California could to prevent the suffering from this kind of out of normal event, and the help from the rest of the country that is needed should be provided quickly and continuously until the region has recovered. But it would be nice if Texans started to consider imposing some standards to reduce the risks from their wild and reckless policies and practices overall.
9
AMEN! I'm a native Texan and things must change.
5
Well, Mr. Rennard you remind us of another big foreign company exec, he was head of BP and just wanted his normal life back, as if all the American lives his company impacted didn't have any rights. Yeah just like him. You build your Chemical company in a place which just happens to be prone to floods. Because you were being what, altruistic? I don't think so. No regulations, yippee! Why don't you go get your life back?!
5
This "will bring fresh scrutiny on whether these plants are adequately regulated and monitored by state and federal safety officials". These plants are clustered in Texas precisely because Texans vote for small government and no regulation. Government here in Texas is too busy checking birth certificates in public restrooms to bother with chemical plants. They know New York senators will vote to bail Texas out of this disaster, despite Ted Cruz and John Cornyn votes to withhold aid to Hurricane Sandy's victims.
9
I wonder if these operations know what an FMEA is.....
Usually done in every industrial sector.
Usually done in every industrial sector.
1
"When a group of migrants staying in a shelter in this border city heard last weekend that Hurricane Harvey was barreling down on Texas, they did not wait. They saw an opportunity to ford the Rio Grande and slip into the United States, using the storm as cover."
1
I hope you are being facetious!
Donald Trump's fault. Without that awful man the weather would always be perfect.
1
Growing up in central Texas we have always feared a stalled storm dumping 2 feet or more in our hilly area, and the destruction from the flash floods created, could easily wipe out downtowns from San Antonio to Austin. We were somewhat lucky this time. The flatter east and southeast this time was not. The fact remains storms like this can happen anytime and will continue to get to worse. Disasters whether exploding chemical plants or just complete towns washed away will happen and more frequently.
4
It's the same moral hazard as in the banking crisis. Corporate executives are richly rewarded for taking unwise risks, knowing that they will reap the upside and taxpayers will cover the downside.
Citizens, why do we keep electing people who protect spoils for the few and leave the rest of us holding the bag? Please, take voting -- and gerrymandering -- a lot more seriously. It's killing us.
Citizens, why do we keep electing people who protect spoils for the few and leave the rest of us holding the bag? Please, take voting -- and gerrymandering -- a lot more seriously. It's killing us.
12
What I have been saying ever so often in comments in the last couple of years: use your vote sensibly and responsibly!!
1
Doesn't the local fire department have to keep a record of chemicals in their area and compose plans to address issues should some emergency event occur at those sites? Why wasn't this data immediately reviewed when the extent of the disaster was evident? I would think they would have notified the local authorities and the corporate heads of problems emerging and began any evacs or mitigation immediately.
5
Yes, I'm sure as the local fire service were completely overwhelmed by disasters that had already happened, they had plenty of time to look for more potential disasters, and mitigate them before they happened. With the entire region decimated, I'm sure it would have been the easiest thing in the world to find some generators, and get them through the flood water to the plant on the off chance the plants backups failed.
This is what you get Texas, when you choose to vote a bunch of greedy maniac, climate deniers into office. We here in NYC feel your pain and I am sure our senators will vote for federal aid to help you out unlike Lying Ted Cruz did for us. However, I would love to see those famous bootstraps come out.
25
“Certainly we didn’t anticipate having six feet of water in our plant,” Richard Rennard, an Arkema executive, said at a news conference Thursday.
This is the infamous Richard Rennard, who "would not respond to a reporter's question about whether the burning materials were toxic, but he said the fumes were noxious." This was reported in the NYTimes:
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/08/31/us/ap-us-harvey-chemical-pla...
If those materials are toxic (why can't he say yes or to to that very simple question?) and first responders are harmed, then this guy should be criminally prosecuted.
This is the infamous Richard Rennard, who "would not respond to a reporter's question about whether the burning materials were toxic, but he said the fumes were noxious." This was reported in the NYTimes:
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/08/31/us/ap-us-harvey-chemical-pla...
If those materials are toxic (why can't he say yes or to to that very simple question?) and first responders are harmed, then this guy should be criminally prosecuted.
14
This question is silly. The EPA has very precise definitions for levels of and different types of toxicity, and a news conference "yes" or "no" answer is not an appropriate way to describe something. "Noxious" is less dangerous than "toxic" and the reporter who wanted the yes or no answer was too stupid to understand that. This whole thing is a tempest in a teacup. What is not is the fact that in some states chemical companies can prevent communities from knowing what chemicals they have on site. It used to be for "trade secret" reasons; now they say it's for "security."
2
Everyone. Especially NYT. Please remember that statements from the EPA come from an agency with leadership and spokespeople that Trump and Pruitt have assured are polluter-friendly and oblivious or ignorant to science. Their statements, as well as those of other federal agencies, are suspect and should now be caveated.
14
Arkema left a superfund site in Portland, OR when it left town.
14
Trump will count disaster relief work as jobs he created, However, the real work, to clean the toxic mess left by companies like this one will be too much to handle.
6
Christine Todd Whitman assured the workers in the ruins of the World Trade Center of air safety.
How many dead and physically destroyed after that?
“I’m very sorry that people are sick,” she said. “I’m very sorry that people are dying and if the EPA and I in any way contributed to that, I’m sorry. We did the very best we could at the time with the knowledge we had.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/10/epa-head-wrong-911-air-s...
How many dead and physically destroyed after that?
“I’m very sorry that people are sick,” she said. “I’m very sorry that people are dying and if the EPA and I in any way contributed to that, I’m sorry. We did the very best we could at the time with the knowledge we had.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/10/epa-head-wrong-911-air-s...
5
Don't be over dramatic. Organic Peroxides are literally used because they are so volatile. Those chemicals are essential for industry and there are plenty of regulations on their production already. Anymore would significantly drive up the prices for everything (just like how over regulation has resulted in our current pharmaceutical market).
Organic Peroxides react when exposed to air, water, or heat. The products of these reactions are harmless (especially when diluted for millions of gallons of floodwater). Just stay away from the plant until the chemicals have been neutralized.
Organic Peroxides react when exposed to air, water, or heat. The products of these reactions are harmless (especially when diluted for millions of gallons of floodwater). Just stay away from the plant until the chemicals have been neutralized.
Not venting about your comment but for the local residents near that chemical plant, this is scary. It is impinging on their lives to relocate away from their homes during this flooding. One has to question why would Texas allow a plant with such potential to unfold into a dangerous situation to be built in close proximity to residential areas. Either the plant should not have been allowed there to begin with, if the residential area was in place prior to the plant. Or that a residential development should not have been allowed to be built there with a chemical plant in the neighborhood. Either way this is a recipe for a disaster. And the response of Richard Rennard as it not being necessary for the local citizens to know exactly what chemicals are on site- this is just not acceptable.
4
I saw the news conference with the company president Richard Rennard.
If I remember correctly, there were four levels of redundancy to maintain regeneration. All failed with a catastrophic result. He said that no one could have prepared for a six feet of water at the facility. Now that might be debatable, but what is NOT at all debatable, is a scenario that has the volatile compound fail safe if refrigeration is lost. That is most certainly a reasonable scenario.
This was preventable and was simply not planned for adequately.
The company should be fined and sanctioned as severely as legally possible. Make it precedent setting. Send a message.
If I remember correctly, there were four levels of redundancy to maintain regeneration. All failed with a catastrophic result. He said that no one could have prepared for a six feet of water at the facility. Now that might be debatable, but what is NOT at all debatable, is a scenario that has the volatile compound fail safe if refrigeration is lost. That is most certainly a reasonable scenario.
This was preventable and was simply not planned for adequately.
The company should be fined and sanctioned as severely as legally possible. Make it precedent setting. Send a message.
10
Maybe Texans will under stand the need for environmental safety refs in their state.
Maybe one positive thing to come out of this will be the reexamination of the need for and enforcement of regulations, both zoning and environmental, and a renewed appreciation for them.
It should not be a case, either, of a corporation paying a fine for safety violations and then getting back to business as usual. Knowingly and willfully putting the public in grave danger should be a criminal offense of the highest degree.
It should not be a case, either, of a corporation paying a fine for safety violations and then getting back to business as usual. Knowingly and willfully putting the public in grave danger should be a criminal offense of the highest degree.
9
Won't happen anytime soon. State and local governments in Texas are just shills for big business.
I'm afraid that under the present science-denying administration, there will be no positive outcomes after this tragedy. Regulations and reinforcement of environmental rules will go the same way as the Paris Agreement. Sad!
1
Just how far away from the Arkema plant do you think executives like Richard Rennard live
21
Houston is Trump country. Do you think he would give a million dollars if it were NYC?
2
Actually, Houston voted for Hillary.
4
Houston voted for Hillary!
4
Yes, he's just recycling the money that taxpayers give for Secret Service accommodations at various Trump hotels.
Speaking of melt down Corporate rule and negligence: Fukishima. The parallels deserve mention, NY Times.
7
Houston's particular vulnerability, including its many chemical plants and storage sites, was widely known before Harvey. For instance, read Roy Scranton's piece here in the New York Times, published last year:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/opinion/sunday/when-the-hurricane-hit...
Although it was written many months ago, the "imaginary" hurricane scenario he described is very much like what happened with Harvey, apart from the lower number of deaths (so far).
So don't believe anyone who claims that the damage seen with Harvey was unpredictable, and bear that in mind when the rebuilding starts. Will chemical plants relocate *outside* of flood plains? Will new construction sit on flood-resistant platforms? Will emergency generators and power lines be placed in elevated locations?
Bottom line: Harvey was predicted, it happened largely as predicted, and it will certainly happen again. Preparation for the next event should be a key consideration when rebuilding. This is not fake news.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/opinion/sunday/when-the-hurricane-hit...
Although it was written many months ago, the "imaginary" hurricane scenario he described is very much like what happened with Harvey, apart from the lower number of deaths (so far).
So don't believe anyone who claims that the damage seen with Harvey was unpredictable, and bear that in mind when the rebuilding starts. Will chemical plants relocate *outside* of flood plains? Will new construction sit on flood-resistant platforms? Will emergency generators and power lines be placed in elevated locations?
Bottom line: Harvey was predicted, it happened largely as predicted, and it will certainly happen again. Preparation for the next event should be a key consideration when rebuilding. This is not fake news.
36
What's that smell in the air and that burn in the water? It's what Scott Pruitt refers to as freedom.
24
Notice that plant workers are no where to be found. That says something about fires that we are told are no more dangerous than a camp fire, and explosions are no more damaging than a pop. This plant is representative of Houston. Locate your risky business here and we will look the other way so you can make money. Of course we need to be tipped for the services we don't provide.
10
While former Governor Rick Perry doesn't believe in climate change, the scientists and engineers that are involved in running this plant might now think twice about expanding or building new facilities in a flood plain. I'm sure that Texas with it's business friendly (loose or no environmental regulations) is an attractive place to setup shop. But if a flood wipes out your business, this isn't much of an advantage.
7
There was a video two nights ago of a conversation between a reporter and an executive of Arkema in which the exec refused to disclose what chemicals were being stored at the facility. It seems that a requirement for such disclosure by chemical plants had been in place but was rescinded. Disclosure is now made only "upon request" by filling out a form and waiting for a reply. Is it not important to know what chemicals are in a plant in order to be sure that bet methods of containment can be rapidly employed in an emergency such as this?
13
I worked in the chemical industry from 1975 until 2016. I have seen the good and the bad. Thing were bad from a safety standpoint until 1984 and the disaster in Bophal, India that killed over 2000 people.
From that disaster sprang Right to Know laws and various safety measures all through the industry. Accidents declined sharply and also exposure to workers as EPA tightened up on regulations. Many rivers and streams near the plants became pristine again and fish populations returned.
Sadly, the trend now is in the other direction. This accident was very preventable. I spent the last 30 years making Hydrogen Peroxide and the last ten years also making this form of Organic Peroxide.
The flammable part of this chemical is an Alchohol. Breathing the vapors from the fires is very hazardous to people. Maybe not fatal but for sur can harm your health long term.
The solution to this problem was actually very simple. The Peroxide could have been diluted and the hazard would have been eliminated. However, the product would have been ruined and would have need to be disposed of.
The company chose money over safety. I guess, now it appears that they didn't save anything.
That's the lesson I learned in 41 years in the industry. Not only is safety the right thing to do, it saves money in the long run. Saves lives, saves money. Simple concept.
From that disaster sprang Right to Know laws and various safety measures all through the industry. Accidents declined sharply and also exposure to workers as EPA tightened up on regulations. Many rivers and streams near the plants became pristine again and fish populations returned.
Sadly, the trend now is in the other direction. This accident was very preventable. I spent the last 30 years making Hydrogen Peroxide and the last ten years also making this form of Organic Peroxide.
The flammable part of this chemical is an Alchohol. Breathing the vapors from the fires is very hazardous to people. Maybe not fatal but for sur can harm your health long term.
The solution to this problem was actually very simple. The Peroxide could have been diluted and the hazard would have been eliminated. However, the product would have been ruined and would have need to be disposed of.
The company chose money over safety. I guess, now it appears that they didn't save anything.
That's the lesson I learned in 41 years in the industry. Not only is safety the right thing to do, it saves money in the long run. Saves lives, saves money. Simple concept.
49
In January, Trump froze EPA grants and contracts. In April his EPA refused to comment on big cuts to scientists/environmentalists, and fewer toxic sites being cleaned up of 1300 nationwide.
In May, his EPA chief Scott Pruitt spoke about dealing with these "Superfund Sites," and never did anything but get the talking part done.
He then cut down on what ones were his priority. Naming perhaps 10 nationally.
May through September, as hurricane season approached the southern coast?? The head of the EPA was sitting around talking about it.
Texas prides itself on no regulations + being The Chemical Coast. It built lots of its companies right near the coast. It built anything anywhere.
It's said it has over 12 big time Superfund sites--now under flood water-- that needed remediation--- due to petrochemical refineries and process plants. One article mentioned 150 of them back in 2012. We probably don't even know the extent.
But Texas was cautioned in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina that it had risky sites located right in the path of any storm. It had retention ponds harmful to residents as water gets to parks, schools and homes during floods.
Their state government? Filled with science deniers. Some of these major players are now in the Trump Administration.
In May, his EPA chief Scott Pruitt spoke about dealing with these "Superfund Sites," and never did anything but get the talking part done.
He then cut down on what ones were his priority. Naming perhaps 10 nationally.
May through September, as hurricane season approached the southern coast?? The head of the EPA was sitting around talking about it.
Texas prides itself on no regulations + being The Chemical Coast. It built lots of its companies right near the coast. It built anything anywhere.
It's said it has over 12 big time Superfund sites--now under flood water-- that needed remediation--- due to petrochemical refineries and process plants. One article mentioned 150 of them back in 2012. We probably don't even know the extent.
But Texas was cautioned in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina that it had risky sites located right in the path of any storm. It had retention ponds harmful to residents as water gets to parks, schools and homes during floods.
Their state government? Filled with science deniers. Some of these major players are now in the Trump Administration.
20
Great news Texas - now you have a "Right To Work" cleaning it up with your bare hands and no hazmat suits.
Nobody is watching- don't worry. Pull up those boot straps- just don't keep your hands in the water for too long.
Nobody is watching- don't worry. Pull up those boot straps- just don't keep your hands in the water for too long.
26
"Arkema was among many chemical companies that fought regulations issued by the Obama administration to tighten safety at facilities nationwide. The rules, which included provisions to require companies to coordinate more closely with emergency responders, were developed after a series of high-profile accidents, including a blast at a fertilizer plant in Texas City, Tex., that killed 15 people in 2013.
But in June the Trump administration delayed enforcement of the regulations until at least early 2019. That followed lobbying against the rules by the chemicals industry, including Arkema, which argued that they were too costly and would jeopardize trade secrets."
Isn't it grand having Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt in charge of environmental policy and regulation for the next four years?
But in June the Trump administration delayed enforcement of the regulations until at least early 2019. That followed lobbying against the rules by the chemicals industry, including Arkema, which argued that they were too costly and would jeopardize trade secrets."
Isn't it grand having Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt in charge of environmental policy and regulation for the next four years?
37
"The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly, the rich have always objected to being governed at all." G.K. Chesterton
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." Upton Sinclair.
Newsflash: The laws of physics do not give a fig about "deeply held beliefs" or conveniences. They just are.
"It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." Upton Sinclair.
Newsflash: The laws of physics do not give a fig about "deeply held beliefs" or conveniences. They just are.
32
This is exactly what happened in Fukushima. Big water (floods, tsunamis, whatever) gives us a lot of troubles about "waters," e.g., drinking water, toilet water and so on. However, the worst of all is that it can destroy electricity systems to send cooling water to a plant. Responsible guys always say that the grade of water was unpredictable, one in thousands of years, and it is always innocent people to suffer from.
12
EPA's Scott Pruitt says there are "no immediate health threats".
Of course not... The region's soaking in a toxic petrochemical stew of solvents & organic peroxides are blowing up, tanks of 'trade secrets' are collapsing...
Nothing to worry about at all because 'God's got this', right?
Of course not... The region's soaking in a toxic petrochemical stew of solvents & organic peroxides are blowing up, tanks of 'trade secrets' are collapsing...
Nothing to worry about at all because 'God's got this', right?
25
How is it possible that Americans can allow this person to remain in this office, or this government to remain in place?
9
If Scott Pruitt is so certain that there are no immediate health threats, perhaps he should take a trip to the area to breathe the air and drink the water himself.
11
"Arkema was among many chemical companies that fought regulations issued by the Obama administration to tighten safety at facilities nationwide. "
It always seems to be a race to the bottom in Republican America
It always seems to be a race to the bottom in Republican America
25
It's not rocket science to draft a plan that places back-up generators high up, out of harm's way. But this proves that without the threat of fines and criminal charges for noncompliance, companies will NOT go the extra mile to ensure the highest standards of safety.
way to go, Texas!
way to go, Texas!
24
What a perfect time to be dismantling the EPA.
21
People who are anti regulation argue that
it "costs" too much.
Ironically it costs a whole lot more when ecological disaster
results.
We have trashed our planet and put someone in the
WH who is determined to finish the job.
It's our own fault .
it "costs" too much.
Ironically it costs a whole lot more when ecological disaster
results.
We have trashed our planet and put someone in the
WH who is determined to finish the job.
It's our own fault .
18
The point has been reached where the obligations of citizenship surpass allegiance to institutionality. To recognize that "it's our own fault" is to acknowledge that this government, by whatever means, must fall.
3
According to this report, Arkema has violated the Clean Water Act for six out of the past twelve quarters--in other words, violating 50 percent of the time over this period (along with the other hazards).
I have another word for "regulation." It's "protection." The public and the workers and this and other companies deserve to be protected. But it is not surprising that chasing profits comes first.
I have another word for "regulation." It's "protection." The public and the workers and this and other companies deserve to be protected. But it is not surprising that chasing profits comes first.
50
"Remember the fertilizer explosion blast in West Texas in 2013?" asks Eleanor Whitaker. Does anyone outside West Texas remember that incident? Was that West Texas, or West, Texas? The Boston Marathon bombing killed three people and received nonstop coverage. Two days later, the fertilizer plant exploded, killing fifteen people. The nonstop Boston Marathon coverage continued.
In 2016 the BATF determined that the fire leading to the explosion had been deliberately set; however, the plant had a history of inadequate security and improper storage, and the explosion itself was determined to have been entirely preventable.
How much money are we devoting to prevent terrorism, and at the same time, creating future terrorists? How many more "unforseen accidents" will occur in the meantime? Anyone who cares about safety and security should demand reductions in military spending and match those with increases in real security spending. Which means adequate funding of regulatory agencies such as the EPA and OSHA, and making the built environment more resilient to existing as well as future climate events.
In 2016 the BATF determined that the fire leading to the explosion had been deliberately set; however, the plant had a history of inadequate security and improper storage, and the explosion itself was determined to have been entirely preventable.
How much money are we devoting to prevent terrorism, and at the same time, creating future terrorists? How many more "unforseen accidents" will occur in the meantime? Anyone who cares about safety and security should demand reductions in military spending and match those with increases in real security spending. Which means adequate funding of regulatory agencies such as the EPA and OSHA, and making the built environment more resilient to existing as well as future climate events.
15
Few people know about the 1947 fertilizer explosion in Texas City that killed almost 600 people.
2
I work in heavy industrial plants all over the place, and I believe that stringent environmental and safety regulations are absolutely necessary, and actually benefit these sites. Having said that, this plant is very small potatoes. Look further south towards the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay where huge refineries, petrochemical complexes, chemical and oil storage facilities, barge terminals, and innumerable other industrial sites line the shores. It is an environmental catastrophe waiting to happen. The NYT could easily devote an entire issue to the problems that have and could happen here.
30
Crass though it may be at this terrible moment for the people of the area, I would like to get political and ask the President to step down. This, because his fundamental beliefs will prevent his acting appropriately to restore the devastation he and all the country have witnessed.
Please, Mr President, leave this to someone else, someone whose conscience leads them to fix what has been broken, restore what has been destroyed, regulate what has gone free to explode, poison, and kill.
No one will see your stepping away as a failure, but rather a thoroughly respectable act of humility. It will leave you free to profit from this disaster by doing what you do best.
Please, Mr President, leave this to someone else, someone whose conscience leads them to fix what has been broken, restore what has been destroyed, regulate what has gone free to explode, poison, and kill.
No one will see your stepping away as a failure, but rather a thoroughly respectable act of humility. It will leave you free to profit from this disaster by doing what you do best.
10
It's still unclear to me what 'noxious" means. I know that a peroxide poses a likelihood of fire, but how does that translate into hydrocarbon smoke for this threat to public safety? I thought carbon monoxide was invisible, for starters. And without wanting to trivialize the disaster, I think the clearest lesson to be learned is to abandon this model of urban sprawl where freeways feed the nuclear source of employment and bedroom communities keep people on the freeways in order to get to the shopping malls, schools, and so forth. Houston's failure to include open space in its history of sprawl has contributed greatly to this last straw in its history of rain, and it seems to explain why this Chemical plant was isolated from monitoring as it wasn't supposed to happen. I hope that when Texans get out from under this natural disaster, then navigate the political mess from a history of deregulation and indifference to climate change, that they can declare which neighborhoods are ruined and which are viable in the course of giving themselves a fresher start on a better way of life. In Southern California, wildfires are a similar threat to over-development and unreasonably political forces that zone suburban sprawl, even while the reality of global warming is evident at the coastline. Insurance companies cooperating with FEMA might also take these patterns into account, especially as the public cost will surely prove staggering.
3
If the potential was that 100,000 people were to die if some future plant exploded, would that number justify a regulatory environment that would prevent 100,000 deaths? What if the number were 50,000? 25,000? 5000? Are you willing to let 5000 people die because of a lack of regulatory over site? What about 500? 100? 1? Should even 1 person die, because some legislature thought that the regulatory burden was just too great to prevent that death? What if that 1 death was the the person in the legislature who prevented regulatory over site - or perhaps their child? How would they feel if they knew that if the plant were too explode the 1 person who was going to die was them? How would they feel about over site then?
9
There's actually a way of answering your question, the DALY.
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/metrics_daly/en/
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/metrics_daly/en/
For many of these companies, the regulatory fines are part of the cost of doing business.
10
Wonder how those staple "cultural issues" that the TX Republicans have turned into a winning strategy are helping the voters of TX right now. Being played by the Republicans so you end up voting on single issues helped you? You are against the LGBT community does that prevent drowning in Harvey? Or single issue that the TX Republicans have played to the nth degree - abortion as a cultural issue rather than a personal medical/religious decision help saved anyone from chemical poisoning? Has supporting HB4 which the courts halted in the middle of the TX worst disaster helped first responders? Maybe the TX Republicans have been playing voters like a fiddle so they aren't voting on the important TX issues that count - air quality, zoning laws, disaster planning, climate change. The TX Republicans have failed you legislatively and are going to keep giving you Gov Abbott and Senator Cruz who have failed TX terribly.
21
The problem is Republican voters are rural, DEM voters are urban. The rurals son,t give a hoot. They are perfectly happy with gun and bible.
1
Look I'm sorry for you guys and your loses but the only thing i can do is donate i can't promise this won't happen again but hope you guys get better
5
I have read many stories like this. Big company runs hazardous business, cuts costs by failing to take a series of precautions to protect the community and the environment, luck runs out, disaster ensues. Thereafter, federal investigators reveal a history of the company making promises during the permitting process that were violated in practice, making catastrophe all but inevitable, while the company tries to spin and lie its way out of the trouble it created. The Exxon Valdez disaster was like that. So was the Deepwater-Horizon oil spill. But this one is different.
Arkema does not seem to be trying lie and spin its way out of trouble. The company's spokespeople calmly explain that they they didn't prepare for the day its backup generators would fail because that level planning was not required. Federal investigators are not rushing in to find the wrong doing, hold the company accountable, or conclude, as they did in the Deepwater-Horizon case, that "absent significant reform in both industry practices and government policies, might well recur."
In this case, the government is led by people who do not believe in good government or putting safety and justice before profits. At last, they have created the problem they warned of. Under GOP and libertarian guidance, the government really is the problem. And so it is that we are all at grave risk so long as their pro-profiteering, anti-science dictums remain the law of the land.
Arkema does not seem to be trying lie and spin its way out of trouble. The company's spokespeople calmly explain that they they didn't prepare for the day its backup generators would fail because that level planning was not required. Federal investigators are not rushing in to find the wrong doing, hold the company accountable, or conclude, as they did in the Deepwater-Horizon case, that "absent significant reform in both industry practices and government policies, might well recur."
In this case, the government is led by people who do not believe in good government or putting safety and justice before profits. At last, they have created the problem they warned of. Under GOP and libertarian guidance, the government really is the problem. And so it is that we are all at grave risk so long as their pro-profiteering, anti-science dictums remain the law of the land.
26
"Noxious" is a weasel-word for poisonous, and even perhaps carcinogenic. One hopes not, but the record of the petrochemical industry speaks for itself...
18
The reporters should really talk to someone who understands the chemicals at the plant, such as a chemical engineer. In this case, "noxious" might sound like a weasel-word, but it happens to be the case. The unfortunate thing is that the explosions are distracting from the real dangers, which are the chemicals that are leaking from other plants. There is no question that this stuff, organic peroxides, is dangerous and volatile and sensitive to heat. But when it burns, it really is not much more toxic than, as the company spokesman said, your backyard barbecue. It's so dangerous because of its explosive volatility, which could be really bad if an explosion happened when people were close by. But compare that to something leaking that doesn't smell, is a really serious carcinogen, but meanwhile everyone is over paying attention to the explosions. Those other companies are probably silently thanking Arkema for distracting everyone.
5
Peroxides are evidently not the only set of compounds in the plant--and I do know plenty of chemistry and environmental toxicology. What happens to many compounds when they are oxidized is dramatically transformational; some become less harmful, others more so. My trust in the petrochemical industry to report, accurately, what they are holding there is pretty low...and they claim that not revealing it is a security issue. As for the rest of the industry, and what is seeping into the water, leaching into soils and evaporating into the atmosphere, you are certainly right: who knows? Time might tell, if there is some good investigative reporting on it...by someone who does understand toxicology.
5
Well said, Steve. Toxic is what kills you. Noxious will irritate or damage, but not kill you.
2
This is the result of a perfect storm of deregulation by a Republican-infested state government and profit grabbing for the 1% elite that own the petrochemical industry.
And Trump applauds that.
And Trump applauds that.
32
I do feel sorry for the mislead people of the great gut the EPA, no healthcare needed, no taxpayer hand out, state of Texas.
After this TEXAS will now be the largest federal taxpayer funded WELFARE STATE in the country for years to come.
Texas politician's greed, lack of zoning (grow, grow, grow) and lack of EPA regulations (drill baby, drill!) will cost the American taxpayer billions to clean up :-/
And who will be the ones paying for the bailout and holding all the fund raisers to happily help these people with open hearts?
You guessed it, the same elite, over educated, over paid, tree hugging snowflakes on the East and West coasts that many in Texas and the GOP seem to despise. Surprise, surprise.
After this TEXAS will now be the largest federal taxpayer funded WELFARE STATE in the country for years to come.
Texas politician's greed, lack of zoning (grow, grow, grow) and lack of EPA regulations (drill baby, drill!) will cost the American taxpayer billions to clean up :-/
And who will be the ones paying for the bailout and holding all the fund raisers to happily help these people with open hearts?
You guessed it, the same elite, over educated, over paid, tree hugging snowflakes on the East and West coasts that many in Texas and the GOP seem to despise. Surprise, surprise.
30
Steven, exactly. Ladies and Gentlemen, THIS is the cause and effect of THE LAWLESS REPUBLICANS IN TX. AND D.C.
There really is no place left to go, breathe the air at your own risk. YOU are on you own taxpayers. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/31/toxic-hurricane-harvey-chemical...
There really is no place left to go, breathe the air at your own risk. YOU are on you own taxpayers. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/31/toxic-hurricane-harvey-chemical...
8
Are the EPA experts the same ones Christie Whitman touted a few days after 9/11 statting the air was perfectly safe to breathe? If it was so safe why are we still attending funerals of First Respoders and others affected by the reccomendations of the mendatious utterings of spokespersons who know not what of they speak?
8
They gave a middle finger to safety and now look where they are. Anyone here still against better safety regulations or do we need another one or two to happen in a town near you before we are all on that ship?
17
Dangerously vulnerable outfits such as oil and chemical refineries are not the sole province of GOP-voting states. Yes, the GOP has some backwards notions on regulations. But much (most?) of our industrial infrastructure is not up to par.
Take California, a strongly DEM state - Richmond, California, just north-east of San Francisco is home to several refineries that were built many decades back and are NOT prepared for a devastating earthquake.
Despite all of California's much-needed regulations much of its infrastructure is not ready to face the ultimate earthquake. This is because it takes LOTS of money and time to bring old but still operable infrastructure up to new standards. Mandating immediate upgrades is rarely feasible. Upgrades are usually done only when other work is necessary.
Texas needs to get its regulatory house in order. But let's not get complacent about our own situations.
Upgrading critical infrastructure such as levees and bridges, as well as financing of the upgrading of refineries should be at the top of the list in a new American infrastructure program.
Low interest Federal financing of upgrades to chemical and oil refineries, power plants and similar essential and potential dangerous outfits would be a great place to start rebuilding America.
Take California, a strongly DEM state - Richmond, California, just north-east of San Francisco is home to several refineries that were built many decades back and are NOT prepared for a devastating earthquake.
Despite all of California's much-needed regulations much of its infrastructure is not ready to face the ultimate earthquake. This is because it takes LOTS of money and time to bring old but still operable infrastructure up to new standards. Mandating immediate upgrades is rarely feasible. Upgrades are usually done only when other work is necessary.
Texas needs to get its regulatory house in order. But let's not get complacent about our own situations.
Upgrading critical infrastructure such as levees and bridges, as well as financing of the upgrading of refineries should be at the top of the list in a new American infrastructure program.
Low interest Federal financing of upgrades to chemical and oil refineries, power plants and similar essential and potential dangerous outfits would be a great place to start rebuilding America.
13
This is state Trump loves. In fact he is giving some of own money for the relief effort, which should win him some votes and the right to build a Trump Tower on prime land that is now flooded, but ready to be sold at bargain prices. But what he likes the most is the Texan mentality of disregarding regulations meant to protect ordinary citizens. This is exactly how he intends to make America great again.
9
Be sure to let me know when Trump's check clears and someone in need is helped.
3
I don't see how it's anything less than culpable negligence on the part of the architect and engineer of this plant not to have foreseen the effects of such a 100-year storm. The standby generators should have been placed on a pedestal or the roof of the structure, especially with such the risk that exists with the products in this facility. Engineers have an obligation to design for any foreseeable event. The generators should have never been placed in the basement of Fukushima, and the standby system here should have never been placed in a flood zone.
7
Imagine… in spite of the magnitude of horrors Harvey dumped on Houston, Texas and surrounding area, Houstonians are demonstrating how to treat our fellowmen. You have to wonder what disaster might blow across our nation next revealing in its wrath the demigods financing the hateful and repulsive antics of conscripted growing leftwing groups like ANTIFA.
Imagine… thinking politically correct neo-nonsense might be spawning hatred in America or thinking its liberal guise may have revealed the ugly head of ideological hatred via the antics of groups like ANTIFA. Troubling thoughts to be sure; and to think these hate crimes are being financed by well-healed 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organizations governed by liberal zealots is beyond belief.
Imagine… wondering why political chameleons like the Nancy Pelosi’s and those associated with The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) might look the other way when hate crimes are flagrantly displayed in the streets of America by groups like ANTIFA who support their ideology.
Imagine… talk about the whims and winds of horrors, could it be possible that our beloved chameleons Nancy and the SPLC are just pre-occupied with the whims of their ideology, tax-exempt status and or offshore entities created to protect themselves from paying any pesky taxes; in lieu of recognizing the horrors of real hate crimes in America! Has anyone given any thoughts regards term limits!
Imagine… thinking politically correct neo-nonsense might be spawning hatred in America or thinking its liberal guise may have revealed the ugly head of ideological hatred via the antics of groups like ANTIFA. Troubling thoughts to be sure; and to think these hate crimes are being financed by well-healed 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organizations governed by liberal zealots is beyond belief.
Imagine… wondering why political chameleons like the Nancy Pelosi’s and those associated with The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) might look the other way when hate crimes are flagrantly displayed in the streets of America by groups like ANTIFA who support their ideology.
Imagine… talk about the whims and winds of horrors, could it be possible that our beloved chameleons Nancy and the SPLC are just pre-occupied with the whims of their ideology, tax-exempt status and or offshore entities created to protect themselves from paying any pesky taxes; in lieu of recognizing the horrors of real hate crimes in America! Has anyone given any thoughts regards term limits!
1
Didn't expect 6 feet of water? We have rising oceans and more severe storms and a chemical plant near the ocean... how could you not include massive flooding in your risk management plan? Oh yes... climate change is a made-up Chinese bogeyman, so none of the consequences must be real.
27
Notice that plant workers are no where to be found. That says something about fires that we are told are no more dangerous than a camp fire, and explosions are no more dangerous than a pop. This plant is representative of Houston. Plant your risky business here and we will look the other way so you can make money. Of course we need to be tipped for the services we don't provide.
15
when plants violate air and/or water safety rule, why aren't operations automatically suspended until the problems are remedied?
10
Why do critical backups always fail? Quick answer: they only build enough to satisfy the regulators but a robust system would be of course too expensive, because surely after Fukushima Daiich, that was the awakening right.
9
They could have placed the standby system and chiller plant on the roof for negligible additional cost. That was a massive failure on the part of the design team.
7
The last time I remember something similar happening around these parts was in 1979 when ONE rail car filled with propane passing through a suburban area, jumped the tracks tipped over and exploded releasing toxic gas in to the air which resulted with myself and another 250,000 people requiring evacuation and out of their homes for several days and that was a time when there was considerably less population in the area then there is now. This sounds like it could be potentially considerably worse.
When it comes to catastrophic events, Texas and particularly the Houston area could certainly suffer from a double whammy here.
When it comes to catastrophic events, Texas and particularly the Houston area could certainly suffer from a double whammy here.
23
I am surprised that a nuclear power plant is not in the flood zone.
11
One other thought...this is what happens when corporations police themselves.
18
The illiteracy about chemicals in the comment stream is beyond astounding. Folks, every single thing in your life from your bed sheets, breakfast cereal, clothes, car (even electric vehicles), furniture, drugs, soap, detergents, shoes, and computer or phone on which you type your illiterate sanctimonious, and spiteful comments about the majority democrat and liberal denizens of Houston metro, have components from a petrochemical plant somewhere, very likely from the Texas gulf coast.
2
to Barbarika
and what is your point, please ?
and what is your point, please ?
2
So, you're saying they shouldn't be regulated?
7
What does that have to do with petrochemical plants being improperly regulated?
7
Arkema could have 'neutralized' the chemicals when they knew the hurricane would hit. But they didn't want to destroy the stockpile. Instead, they (and the state govt. who doesn't believe in regulation) chose to endanger the community and environment. Gee thanks!
15
Curious to know whether in the EU, plants such as Arkema's must comply with more stringent safety standards
9
Arkema's defense that is could not anticipate 6 feet of water simply doesn't hold water. After Tropical Storm Allison, which flooded the basement level of Houston's Ben Taub Hospital and incapacitated its ability to function, the Hospital added submarine-type doors that could seal off key areas in case of flooding, added berms outside, and increased emergency generator capability. It was thus able to continue operations during Harvey.
The truth is that Arkema took advantage of lax zoning laws and little or no regulatory oversight in order to maximize profits at the expense of the local population and taxpayers. It simply put profit before people, which thus far has been fine with the Republican Party. Will it take a Bhopal level tragedy before action is finally taken?
The truth is that Arkema took advantage of lax zoning laws and little or no regulatory oversight in order to maximize profits at the expense of the local population and taxpayers. It simply put profit before people, which thus far has been fine with the Republican Party. Will it take a Bhopal level tragedy before action is finally taken?
27
I guess we just lucked out that the Koch Industries facility that manufactures liquid hydrogen cyanide wasn't impacted!
7
Only the Texas legislature could pull this off. No land use rules, no requirement to make public the potentially dangerous chemicals manufactured on-site, on and on and on. The Texas legislature apparently does not feel the need to safeguard its citizens, why should we?
58
Because we don't want to be as repugnant as they are. Maybe the people of Texas will learn something from this. The way you vote matters.
2
I've spent about a decade as an environmental engineer doing field investigations of places like this; drilling into the soil, collecting samples, installing monitoring wells, etc.
For every active plant site like this, there are at least two more that have gone bankrupt with all of their contaminants still sitting in the ground. Perfect example of why Superfund funding should never go away, and why regulations for discharge (and the necessary cleanups) are so necessary.
Its sad to say, but Harvey may have done this company a favor; soil has just been flushed out, with contaminants (probably a lot of volatile organic and petroleum hydrocarbons in there) being dispersed everywhere for the public's future exposure. Site is now probably cleaner than ever...
Although I now work in the mid-west, I did spend a summer dealing with the Texas state EPA (TCEQ), and to be honest, they were a fairly stringent state EPA. What one can extrapolate is that if you think TCEQ isn't doing a good job, imagine where other state EPAs are at...
For every active plant site like this, there are at least two more that have gone bankrupt with all of their contaminants still sitting in the ground. Perfect example of why Superfund funding should never go away, and why regulations for discharge (and the necessary cleanups) are so necessary.
Its sad to say, but Harvey may have done this company a favor; soil has just been flushed out, with contaminants (probably a lot of volatile organic and petroleum hydrocarbons in there) being dispersed everywhere for the public's future exposure. Site is now probably cleaner than ever...
Although I now work in the mid-west, I did spend a summer dealing with the Texas state EPA (TCEQ), and to be honest, they were a fairly stringent state EPA. What one can extrapolate is that if you think TCEQ isn't doing a good job, imagine where other state EPAs are at...
5
"The rules, which included provisions to require companies to coordinate more closely with emergency responders, were developed after a series of high-profile accidents, including a blast at a fertilizer plant in Texas City, Tex., that killed 15 people in 2013."
The 2013 fertilizer plant explosion that peompted the new chemical safety rules was in the town of West. Which is not to give short shrift to Texas CIty - it suffered a massive explosion initiated by a shipboard fire in a load of ammonium nitrate in 1947, leaving almost 600 persons dead.
The 2013 fertilizer plant explosion that peompted the new chemical safety rules was in the town of West. Which is not to give short shrift to Texas CIty - it suffered a massive explosion initiated by a shipboard fire in a load of ammonium nitrate in 1947, leaving almost 600 persons dead.
5
"Damaged Plant Is One of the Most Hazardous in Texas"?
Another sad and sorry "accomplishment" - one of the most hazardous plants in a state full of them?
Another sad and sorry "accomplishment" - one of the most hazardous plants in a state full of them?
9
Why do they need to store so much of this volatile stuff?
3
Good question: ask Rick Perry?
5
Regulations were "too costly and would jeopardize trade secrets." Is this a Nation we have become when profits and the bottom line comes before people's Safety?
18
Yes, Mr. Monaco, that is what The International Mafia wants and what they pay their operatives in OUR government to do. WE THE PEOPLE, working together, are the only ones who can change it and NOW is the time.
3
75% of Texan politician dismiss global warming as a myth, they dont believe it. But manmade climatic change is a fact proven by a large scientific community and facts like this Huston flood. Facts are there to be honored, belief is for religion. Political corruption by economic players should not block urgent infrastructure measures to safeguard the lives of the general population. Texas has not learned anything from former calamities and is a negative example showing how ignorant voters put politicians in power that ultimately put everyone's lives in danger. Let's put the wellbeing and security of the population above political and financial filth.
8
Are Texans pushing to secede from the Union? Or will they wait until the Union bails them out (again).
9
They want it both ways. THey dont' want to have to abide by regulations, help pay for disaster recovery in say the northeast, or pay taxes, but they fully expect that when they need help everyone drops everything and rushes to their aid.
6
It is ironic that the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the largest in the world, prevented flooding of their facilities by installing hurricane barriers long before Harvey arrived. While Arkema, a multi-billion dollar chemical plant lacked the foresight or perhaps the will to do the same. Their representative's response after the explosion at the plant which released toxic gases was that they did not expect six feet of water. The water inundated the electrical system which controlled the temperature of volatile chemicals, resulting in the explosion. The fact they were unable to anticipate the possibility as a known public health hazard speaks volumes.
17
We don't want to cut into those profits now do we?
2
Before spouting off opinions, understand the differences. Texas Medical Center only prevented the flooding of their below grade basement levels. No gates would have prevented damage from 6-8 feet above grade water, which affected the chemical plant. Very different situation.
Barbarika: I do not think that Eileen was indicating that the Same safety measures at the hospital would work at the Arkema plant, but that they should have had the foresight to protect the plant from record levels of water.
After Hurricane Katrina, every business, institution, level of government should have been able to extrapolate that it Could happen to them. Particularly in areas on and near the Gulf Coast. I am not only singling out Arkema, but so much of Southern Texas where planning and prevention was apparently not even a thought.
The big hope now, is that people will take this storm as a warning to make sure that communities and states start to reorganize so that the next huge ecological disaster isn't compounded by lack of forethought.
I have read other comments you have made here, and I have to wonder if you are associated with Arkema or companies like it, because you seem so defensive. I would think that most citizens would be more concerned about the drastic problems that have been uncovered from this storm, rather than defending them tooth and nail. This isn't about politics, it's about public safety.
After Hurricane Katrina, every business, institution, level of government should have been able to extrapolate that it Could happen to them. Particularly in areas on and near the Gulf Coast. I am not only singling out Arkema, but so much of Southern Texas where planning and prevention was apparently not even a thought.
The big hope now, is that people will take this storm as a warning to make sure that communities and states start to reorganize so that the next huge ecological disaster isn't compounded by lack of forethought.
I have read other comments you have made here, and I have to wonder if you are associated with Arkema or companies like it, because you seem so defensive. I would think that most citizens would be more concerned about the drastic problems that have been uncovered from this storm, rather than defending them tooth and nail. This isn't about politics, it's about public safety.
Houston, Texas philosophy of regulation or zoning: no regulation, taxpayers clean up the unregulated disaster. Capitalism for the polluters, socialism for their disasters.
13
Texas is unprepared for what will come.
Whose are those tiny hands in front of Republican eyes?
Whose are those tiny hands in front of Republican eyes?
11
What is diff between foodstamp/assistance to people under poverty line vs people here.
As per GOP; they all are there because of their inaction. And so people in Texas, are there by choice and so no one should help.
Hey GOP - pl clarify?
As a nation, we must strive to help the weakest who has been there by design or by luck. It's a moral duty we carry and that's what will make America Great Again.
As per GOP; they all are there because of their inaction. And so people in Texas, are there by choice and so no one should help.
Hey GOP - pl clarify?
As a nation, we must strive to help the weakest who has been there by design or by luck. It's a moral duty we carry and that's what will make America Great Again.
6
This is what voting Republican gets you - the evasion of all regulations and legal responsibility. Fine, Republican voters, you do just that and enjoy the resulting catastrophes, but this Democrat is in no mood to pay your bills when your intentional irresonsibility and dishonesty literally explodes in your face.
15
“Certainly we didn’t anticipate having six feet of water in our plant,” Richard Rennard, an Arkema executive, said at a news conference Thursday. “And this is really the issue that led to the incident we are experiencing now.”
That sentence in the NY Times article reminded me of something I read six years ago: When Tokyo Electric President Masataka Shimizu apologized to the people of Japan for the continuing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant he called the double disaster “marvels of nature that we have never experienced before”.-Reuters March, 2011
Anticipation of worst case scenarios when siting potentially noxious facilities should not be beyond human imagination.
That sentence in the NY Times article reminded me of something I read six years ago: When Tokyo Electric President Masataka Shimizu apologized to the people of Japan for the continuing crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant he called the double disaster “marvels of nature that we have never experienced before”.-Reuters March, 2011
Anticipation of worst case scenarios when siting potentially noxious facilities should not be beyond human imagination.
18
Texas is a clear example of what happens when there are no regulations to keep unchained and unrestricted abuse by big business in line Big business has only one thing in mind, and in their pockets, PROFIT.
Texas politicians have demonstrated how corrupt and insensitive they are. In their minds how much is worth the lives of workers and their families? ZERO.
Texas politicians have demonstrated how corrupt and insensitive they are. In their minds how much is worth the lives of workers and their families? ZERO.
10
Where was the "damn government"? Where was the "damn EPA"? That's what Texas lawmakers and uninformed voters will say as they try to destroy both.
I protest that the same "damn government", which happens to be every single one of us - every citizen of America- will send MY hard-earned taxpayer money to democracy-destroying state governments to help them "rebuild" the wild west city that is Houston. No zoning laws. No regulation on sprawl or dangerous businesses.
Texas and other affected "government hating" state will award the "rebuild" money to the same BIG businesses that caused this disaster. Sorry boys and girls - rebuild your own nirvana. It's not one the rest of socially conscious America wants or wants to pay for.
I protest that the same "damn government", which happens to be every single one of us - every citizen of America- will send MY hard-earned taxpayer money to democracy-destroying state governments to help them "rebuild" the wild west city that is Houston. No zoning laws. No regulation on sprawl or dangerous businesses.
Texas and other affected "government hating" state will award the "rebuild" money to the same BIG businesses that caused this disaster. Sorry boys and girls - rebuild your own nirvana. It's not one the rest of socially conscious America wants or wants to pay for.
16
You have the right to be this sanctimonious if you don't use a single petrochemical product in your life. Check your clothes, car, house, food, and drugs, and you will find products of Houston area petrochemical complexes in all of them. Unless you live like a Bushman hunter in Kalahari, you are responsible. EPA and regulatory nirvana you espouse will do nothing but send these very same plants to China, then you will bemoan the loss of jobs. It is time to take care of your fellow citizens in Houston (who by the way are majority democrats, but then I don't expect party hack to have any knowledge.)
2
Don't be ridiculous, Barbarika.
5
Barbarika is not ridiculous. You cannot produce plastics, gasoline, etc. unless you use hazardous chemicals. US consumers demand low cost plastic products and low cost fuel, if a US factory is not competitive price-wise with a Chinese plant that has much less environmental regulation then it will close. It is a major challenge for US companies to produce products that have to made with dangerous chemicals cost effectively and safely.
Let's stop the Monday-morning quarterbacking and get on with helping the folks in Houston.
The NYT article presents a very incomplete picture of what happened at the Arkema facility. I recommend that people read the Houston Chronicle article to get a more objective report.
Let's stop the Monday-morning quarterbacking and get on with helping the folks in Houston.
The NYT article presents a very incomplete picture of what happened at the Arkema facility. I recommend that people read the Houston Chronicle article to get a more objective report.
Arkema has failed to uphold safety standards to protect the citizens of Crosby. It doesn't matter if Texas doesn't require a company to have safe practices, companies that deal in dangerous chemical products know what they have, and they have a moral responsibility to protect the community.
Why wait for the plant to blow at any time? Rather than waiting, I think they should use demolitions and blow the tanks up that they know are going to blow. Let the National Guard get some artillery practice. Controlled demolition would allow them to control/deal with some issues: such as wind conditions, time of day, and moving everyone well out of range while the demolition is being performed.
Arkema still is hoping they'll have product to sell so they don't want to do anything. They should be shut down from producing/selling anything out of this plant.
Why wait for the plant to blow at any time? Rather than waiting, I think they should use demolitions and blow the tanks up that they know are going to blow. Let the National Guard get some artillery practice. Controlled demolition would allow them to control/deal with some issues: such as wind conditions, time of day, and moving everyone well out of range while the demolition is being performed.
Arkema still is hoping they'll have product to sell so they don't want to do anything. They should be shut down from producing/selling anything out of this plant.
8
The Arkema plant has been identified as one of the most hazardous in the state. Its failure followed releases of contaminants from several other area petrochemical plants and systemic breakdowns of water and sewer systems..."
There exists an infamous video: an ammonium_nitrate fertilizer plant, (West, Texas), is filmed by a man 'N, daughter in a car...nearly destroyed by blast, as the plant explodes! This Haz_Mat was similar, to Tim, ('Xian_Jihadist'), McVeigh's truck bomb...minus the truck!
After the blast, Texas.Gov decided to refuse to provide the public-/-public safety services with lists of 'who owns what, 'N, where'! Arkema's weasel squad was out in full force...refusing to identify the various items, pre-explosion, etc., a couple of days, ago!!
As a retired paramedic, w/ Haz_Mat experience...I consider this a R.I.C.O. crime by Texas.Gov and Arkema! What if I had to make, entry to rescue / or spraying water on something, w/o knowing if water is a reactant, vs. a suppressant???
Would Arkeme send my boyfriend / girlfriend a 'Gold_Star', then laugh, all the way to It's insurance provider's compensation check?
Why are such crimes permitted,even encouraged by ANY '.Gov'? Have we all, become...Ferenghi's?
{'Ferenghi': A fictional StarTrek race; Ferenghis, (like...Republicans, 'N, Televangelists), worship wealth as a cultural mandate. See URL's: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferengi#Concept_and_creation; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferengi#/media/File:Ferengis1.jpg
There exists an infamous video: an ammonium_nitrate fertilizer plant, (West, Texas), is filmed by a man 'N, daughter in a car...nearly destroyed by blast, as the plant explodes! This Haz_Mat was similar, to Tim, ('Xian_Jihadist'), McVeigh's truck bomb...minus the truck!
After the blast, Texas.Gov decided to refuse to provide the public-/-public safety services with lists of 'who owns what, 'N, where'! Arkema's weasel squad was out in full force...refusing to identify the various items, pre-explosion, etc., a couple of days, ago!!
As a retired paramedic, w/ Haz_Mat experience...I consider this a R.I.C.O. crime by Texas.Gov and Arkema! What if I had to make, entry to rescue / or spraying water on something, w/o knowing if water is a reactant, vs. a suppressant???
Would Arkeme send my boyfriend / girlfriend a 'Gold_Star', then laugh, all the way to It's insurance provider's compensation check?
Why are such crimes permitted,even encouraged by ANY '.Gov'? Have we all, become...Ferenghi's?
{'Ferenghi': A fictional StarTrek race; Ferenghis, (like...Republicans, 'N, Televangelists), worship wealth as a cultural mandate. See URL's: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferengi#Concept_and_creation; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferengi#/media/File:Ferengis1.jpg
9
Ironically, this company lobbied and Trump to my understanding complied in continuing to loosen safeguards. Trump has done this with other industries as well.
Not all GOP, but for the most part, the GOP are for loosening of safeguards and then asking for money when there is an emergency. But Trump has been like everything else, loosening safeguards for all industries.
Trump is dangerous in so many ways. I can't wait for him to be removed from office finally.
Not all GOP, but for the most part, the GOP are for loosening of safeguards and then asking for money when there is an emergency. But Trump has been like everything else, loosening safeguards for all industries.
Trump is dangerous in so many ways. I can't wait for him to be removed from office finally.
8
How's that for job creation?
4
It's not that chemicals are so dangerous, they are ,unless they are made and stored in a safe manner. What is more dangerous than any chemical is greed and ignorance.
I might add Houston, paved Houston, over built Houston, is a city built on stupidity and greed. Did the officials who are responsible think a hurricane would never even come close to their poorly planned over sized city?
I do feel sorry for the people. So many have lost everything and now they breathe poisonous air. One redeeming factor may happen. They and the rest of us may learn to respect nature and science and that regulations are necessary even if they interfere with their profit margin.
I might add Houston, paved Houston, over built Houston, is a city built on stupidity and greed. Did the officials who are responsible think a hurricane would never even come close to their poorly planned over sized city?
I do feel sorry for the people. So many have lost everything and now they breathe poisonous air. One redeeming factor may happen. They and the rest of us may learn to respect nature and science and that regulations are necessary even if they interfere with their profit margin.
6
Texas has had other plant explosions as a result of government oversight being rejected. this is an old story repeated ad naseum. it's Texas with its lunatic legislators, and a false sense of independence. Now the federal government is going to pick up the pieces, but never mind. Texas amnesia will set in and all will be right with the world.
5
Here is an easy rule to follow. Don't build a chemical plant on a floodplain. What good is safty procedures if the building is flooded with water?
42
Reminisant of Fukushima in Japan.
2
If you want the whole story about Arkema, see the Houston Chronicle. It's coverage is much more thorough, which is expected since its in their coverage area.
2
A very short list of petrochemical products includes fertilizers, paint, gasoline, auto body parts, detergents, pharmaceuticals, car television sets, phones, cell phones, computers, cameras, bottles, glasses, electrical circuit boards, plumping pipes, CDs/DVDs, carpets, microwave ovens, tennis balls, golf balls, kitchenware, trash bags, water hoses, IV tubes, eye glasses, raincoats, clothes, shower curtains, bath mats, credit cards, fencing, flooring, gutters, molding, siding, tiles, and wire and cable insulation.
Why do we suppose a chemical company from France made it's way, way across the vast ocean and half way across the US to Texas, "what , we don't have to tell them what we are doing? And we don't have to open our doors to EPA ? Where else could we get away with this? " Maybe, when the country was young and not a dumping spot for anyone with a buck that would have worked. Regulations are like your mom saying"don't touch the stove it's hot" . I bet the president of Arkema doesn't live within a vast radius of their factories. And all you lovely politicians, pushing these companies, and secrecy in your state, where are you? Crosby? Some how I expect, Cruz, Abbot, don't spend much time within a very safe distance. Sure you do. What is in those explosions? You made your first responders explain were not toxic? We all know how safe exploding chemical companies are, right?!
4
Yesterday in this same news item, company executives insisted the smoke was benign and posed no threat. Today there is a different story. Company executives today by way of explanation, said they didn't anticipate six feet of water in their plant. Say what?
Shades of Fukushima. Nuclear meltdown because they didn't anticipate an earthquake and tsunami in an earthquake and tsunami zone. No worries though. It's all under control. Until it obviously wasn't.
Houston, Corpus Christi, and others have always been prone to flooding. Now with increasing population and development coupled with increasingly violent storms, the usual markers don't apply. This is the new normal no matter what your ideology. Insurance companies will respond to the facts on the ground and govern themselves accordingly. The rest of us should do the same. This was a catastrophe waiting to happen. It won't be the last and it won't be 500 years from now.
Shades of Fukushima. Nuclear meltdown because they didn't anticipate an earthquake and tsunami in an earthquake and tsunami zone. No worries though. It's all under control. Until it obviously wasn't.
Houston, Corpus Christi, and others have always been prone to flooding. Now with increasing population and development coupled with increasingly violent storms, the usual markers don't apply. This is the new normal no matter what your ideology. Insurance companies will respond to the facts on the ground and govern themselves accordingly. The rest of us should do the same. This was a catastrophe waiting to happen. It won't be the last and it won't be 500 years from now.
10
Yes let's do away with regulations and make it much safer.
2
This Arkema processing plant could have installed the ability to neutralize the organic peroxides by injecting chemicals into them, rendering them non-reactive (and useless). Texas seems to prefer letting big businesses operate with much less regulation and therefore more dangerously than in other states. I hope Texans come to understand the importance of adequate regulatory oversight by government, otherwise they will remain at greater risk as the consequences of climate disruption continue to grow.
10
Let one concede the level of flooding could not be anticipated.
However, now that we know flooding is possible, what will be done in the future? Will the plants be backed up with hardened, elevated generators? Will the plant take into account the Hurricane season and deplete its chemical stockpile well in advance of the Hurricane season?
And if the plant fails to take into account precautions, should the Texas legislature impose new laws that lift caps on tort damages?
We should have a debate on this that it intelligent, thoughtful, and respectful to all stakeholders in the state and country.
However, now that we know flooding is possible, what will be done in the future? Will the plants be backed up with hardened, elevated generators? Will the plant take into account the Hurricane season and deplete its chemical stockpile well in advance of the Hurricane season?
And if the plant fails to take into account precautions, should the Texas legislature impose new laws that lift caps on tort damages?
We should have a debate on this that it intelligent, thoughtful, and respectful to all stakeholders in the state and country.
4
The abject unwillingness for Texas officials and the officials of the companies involved about the chemicals and their dangers is sinful. But very fitting with the mindset that so many corporations have...we'll take your money, but we owe you nothing in the way of transparency or safety. The long view on the effects of CO2 is coming home to roost...and it is now coming to light that ExxonMobil in particular has been mimicking the Tobacco Industry since the 1970s, privately admitting that CO2 will wreak havoc on the earth's environment while publicly muddying the waters, playing the hoax card, and raking in trillions of dollars in profit while doing to.
5
Houston or any place with such hazardous facilities should not be placed anywhere near people, coastlines, rivers, or anywhere that wildlife or nature is abundant. Try one of those Arizona deserts or Death Valley for instance. But wait, with all the nuclear and chemical installations we already have, we or our grandchildren are already doomed anyway. The American Dream.......business first, defense second, people and other organic life, well................
3
I sometimes try to imagine the initial proposals that lead to such evil carelessness. Like the early pitches for nuclear power. How did they ever agree to that. I imagine some earnest youngish man in a conference room saying oh yes, there will be radioactive poison lethal for twenty thousand years produced, but we got that covered, no problem.
How is it that taxpayers finance nuclear insurance and the storage of spent fuel rods, and private companies just keep the profit?
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE business regulation from this point on. Do you hear, Fukishima? HOW DO THESE PLANTS GET BUILT IN THE FIRST PLACE? Complete danger at every step.
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. Anyone. Who makes or builds anything. Is not allowed to do so without demonstrable safety precautions and procedures, AND WITHOUT SHOWING HOW THEY WILL SAFELY DISPOSE OF THEIR WASTE PRODUCTS.
I am tired of giving them profits and financing and suffering from their wastes.
Regulation needs support, NYT. Some good has to come out of this.
How is it that taxpayers finance nuclear insurance and the storage of spent fuel rods, and private companies just keep the profit?
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE business regulation from this point on. Do you hear, Fukishima? HOW DO THESE PLANTS GET BUILT IN THE FIRST PLACE? Complete danger at every step.
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE. Anyone. Who makes or builds anything. Is not allowed to do so without demonstrable safety precautions and procedures, AND WITHOUT SHOWING HOW THEY WILL SAFELY DISPOSE OF THEIR WASTE PRODUCTS.
I am tired of giving them profits and financing and suffering from their wastes.
Regulation needs support, NYT. Some good has to come out of this.
10
The plant is built in a flood zone. I wonder what flood zone mitigation was required?
2
They reap what they sow. The tragedy is that innocent people are harmed.
2
So, Donald Trump, who apparently pays no taxes and thus contributes nothing as a taxpayer toward the fund that will flood into Texas has promised to donate a tiny tiny portion of his untaxed treasure to flood relief.
I trust that this won't result in less beautiful cake on his plate.
I don't want him to have to do without his daily needs.
I trust that this won't result in less beautiful cake on his plate.
I don't want him to have to do without his daily needs.
3
... funds ...
"Trump, who apparently pays not taxes..."
Is this like Harry Reid insinuating that Mitt Romney paid no taxes? Amazing what people utter without facts.
Is this like Harry Reid insinuating that Mitt Romney paid no taxes? Amazing what people utter without facts.
It is past time for Texans and all the rest of the country to think seriously about climate change and future weather hazards like Harvey happening again in the not too distant future. All the pundits, politicians and even Donald Trump have used the word "unprecedented". Have they not considered why this has been unprecedented and may no longer be infrequent? Republican climate change deniers cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand like the dumb birdbrains they pretend to be. Climate change is here whether or not they like it and it's time for all to start thinking about how we can prevent disasters like Houston's from becoming more frequent. Time has already run out.
4
The petro-chemical industries have been running this country for far too long
underwriting politicians who look the other way. Public scrutiny only seems to come at times like this when disaster strikes. A fine of 1.2 million dollars is probably a drop in the bucket. Executives can serve jail time in other countries for putting innocent people in harm's way. Imagine right now if we didn't have the EPA with years of collective knowledge to investigate. Imagine, too, what it is like for EPA employees trying to do this crucial work with a gutted work force.
You have to admire those Arkema employees who put their own lives at risk trying to move those volatile chemicals.
underwriting politicians who look the other way. Public scrutiny only seems to come at times like this when disaster strikes. A fine of 1.2 million dollars is probably a drop in the bucket. Executives can serve jail time in other countries for putting innocent people in harm's way. Imagine right now if we didn't have the EPA with years of collective knowledge to investigate. Imagine, too, what it is like for EPA employees trying to do this crucial work with a gutted work force.
You have to admire those Arkema employees who put their own lives at risk trying to move those volatile chemicals.
31
Another example of the no-zoning Texas.
7
"A flood-damaged chemical plant outside Houston was rocked by explosions after a systems failure, drawing sharp focus on the hazards presented by the city’s vast petrochemical complex."
"(T)he plant is far from alone in its hazards. There are at least three others in the region that produce the same chemicals, and 500 or more other facilities, big and small, that churn out a dizzying array of compounds. Many are hazardous."
This story, I think, is an utter disgrace. No fewer than eight reporters worked on this, and this is the result? Chemicals-bad-Texas-bad-floods-bad. That, pretty much, is the takeaway. Of course chemicals are dangerous. Equally obvious is the fact that we all need them, even in New York City. Houston happens to be a place where chemicals are manufactured.
Show me a place where chemicals are processed that gets 50 inches of rain in the span of 72 hours that wouldn't have issues. News flash: Biblical floods result in bad things. We have, to date, no deaths (thank God) tied to flooding at these plants. We have, to date, no injuries from these explosions (thank God). And NYT/Chicken Little is running around squawking that the sky is on our laps.
Not saying that there aren't legitimate issues with chemical plants. But to condemn manufacture of chemicals that are used by everyone by tying the issue to flooding is extraordinarily weak sauce and dilutes NYT's brand. It's stories like these that caused much of the country to stop listening to NYT years ago.
"(T)he plant is far from alone in its hazards. There are at least three others in the region that produce the same chemicals, and 500 or more other facilities, big and small, that churn out a dizzying array of compounds. Many are hazardous."
This story, I think, is an utter disgrace. No fewer than eight reporters worked on this, and this is the result? Chemicals-bad-Texas-bad-floods-bad. That, pretty much, is the takeaway. Of course chemicals are dangerous. Equally obvious is the fact that we all need them, even in New York City. Houston happens to be a place where chemicals are manufactured.
Show me a place where chemicals are processed that gets 50 inches of rain in the span of 72 hours that wouldn't have issues. News flash: Biblical floods result in bad things. We have, to date, no deaths (thank God) tied to flooding at these plants. We have, to date, no injuries from these explosions (thank God). And NYT/Chicken Little is running around squawking that the sky is on our laps.
Not saying that there aren't legitimate issues with chemical plants. But to condemn manufacture of chemicals that are used by everyone by tying the issue to flooding is extraordinarily weak sauce and dilutes NYT's brand. It's stories like these that caused much of the country to stop listening to NYT years ago.
3
You completely miss the point. It is not the manufacture of chemicals that is being condemned. It is the lack of regulation.
1
“Certainly we didn’t anticipate having six feet of water in our plant,” Richard Rennard, an Arkema executive, said at a news conference Thursday.
Certainly, Mr. Rennard, you have heard about climate change? Industries like this have broken our climate, poisoned our water, paved over our lands destroyed the sanctity of my planet, my home.
Certainly, Mr. Rennard, you have heard about climate change? Industries like this have broken our climate, poisoned our water, paved over our lands destroyed the sanctity of my planet, my home.
4
I would like to see you live without the chemicals this and other plants manufacture.
Chemicals happen to be manufactured in Houston, not Sausalito, but you benefit from them just the same.
Chemicals happen to be manufactured in Houston, not Sausalito, but you benefit from them just the same.
1
Ian: Since we have, apparently, let these compounds into almost every aspect of our daily lives, how would you suggest that we live without them? "Benefiting" from them does not mean that we should be complacent about how they are managed, and the safety risks they pose to our communities.
Being manufactured in Houston is the problem, since the safety legislation that could have prevented what is happening doesn't exist there. It's not just Arkema, either, as plenty of other places have had their storage systems breached, and are leaking all kinds of nasty things into the flood, which will become part of the ground and groundwater.
Maybe what the world needs is to come up with alternative Non-toxic, non-poisonous compounds so that we can all live safely and happily, not having to worry about the next disaster looming on the horizon. Either that, or Safety Legislation needs to be put into place and Enforced.
Being manufactured in Houston is the problem, since the safety legislation that could have prevented what is happening doesn't exist there. It's not just Arkema, either, as plenty of other places have had their storage systems breached, and are leaking all kinds of nasty things into the flood, which will become part of the ground and groundwater.
Maybe what the world needs is to come up with alternative Non-toxic, non-poisonous compounds so that we can all live safely and happily, not having to worry about the next disaster looming on the horizon. Either that, or Safety Legislation needs to be put into place and Enforced.
Corporate malfeasance. The number who die of cancer-related outgrowths of the storm will not likely be added to the death toll.
5
It appears from the picture that the company made no attempt to to put up temporary sand bag barrier around the trailers. That speaks volumes about their mind set.
3
Does anyone remember "Love Canal"?
4
The danger to public safety "will bring fresh scrutiny on whether these plants are adequately regulated and monitored by state and federal safety officials." No it won't. Because public safety is a political issue. Science and facts are political issues. We're a "Christian nation" where profit is God and all things are equal--an email server is equal to collusion with a hostile foreign government, a conspiracy theory about child trafficking is equal to documented fraud and housing discrimination, calling a handful of neo-Nazis "deplorables" is equal to calling all Mexicans rapists and murders--but all people are not equal under the law. We're a Constitutional government with one Amendment to our governing document, and that's the right to carry and use a gun if you *feel* threatened by that black guy.
This storm, with its numerous elements that can be directly traced back to climate change--to the unusual warmth of the Gulf waters--will go down the memory hole like its predecessors, until the next one; addressing life-threatening deregulations will disappear just like the hopes for gun safefty reform every time there's a preventable mass shooting. Because these are all unresolvable "political issues."
This storm, with its numerous elements that can be directly traced back to climate change--to the unusual warmth of the Gulf waters--will go down the memory hole like its predecessors, until the next one; addressing life-threatening deregulations will disappear just like the hopes for gun safefty reform every time there's a preventable mass shooting. Because these are all unresolvable "political issues."
10
Greed, plain and simple. Mr. Trump owns this mess since he used his pen to do away with regulations that were to go into effect today. Scott Pruitt is the worst thing that has ever happened to the EPA. Notice that it was Mike Pence who met with victims of Harvey. Trump will ask for 5 billion when estimates are already at 12,5 bilion. Congress find your spine.
7
Yesterday Gov Abbott was on tv setting a day of prayer. Hey, Gov, how about spending sometime thinking about the welfare of the average working person in your state rather than selling out to corporations who want no regulation. Now Abbott and the like will be sticking out their hands wanting money from the rest of us to rebuild another fetid swamp.
12
The lack of planning for these petrochemical sites reminds me of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
25
Earthquakes are nothing like hurricanes. I was in Tokyo during the earthquake in 2011. My daughter was in the middle of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and a sister was in the middle of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They had a long warning period and much less death and destruction.
1
The real issue is that Americans cannot trust their government to protect them. Houston residents are not even allowed to know what kinds of chemicals are in those plants. As more plants explode, more noxious fumes will escape and the wind will carry those fumes far and wide. trump is so concerned for their welfare, that he has already moved on to talking about tax cuts. And when the cancers develop, there will be no money for their healthcare.
66
Ironic, is it not that they are white-washing the facts about peroxides and who knows what else.
1
Much is being made about how "indiscriminate" the destruction of Harvey has been, cutting across neighborhoods and class lines. But, in fact this may turn out to be the accidental result of the fact that Houston has always been a structurally 'flawed' city built in a flood zone and grossly expanded without any planning, strict zoning, or development brakes and controls.
Combined with Trump's war on regulation, environment and public safety and we can adopt the Houston model to the whole nation, thus ensuring the 'market efficiency' of 'mutually assured extinction' that will result from the Trump Regency.
The real toxic waste here is Trump himself and his toxic friends like Carl Ichan, who rail against 'over regulation' - by which they mean 'obscene speculative predatory profits.'
Combined with Trump's war on regulation, environment and public safety and we can adopt the Houston model to the whole nation, thus ensuring the 'market efficiency' of 'mutually assured extinction' that will result from the Trump Regency.
The real toxic waste here is Trump himself and his toxic friends like Carl Ichan, who rail against 'over regulation' - by which they mean 'obscene speculative predatory profits.'
14
It's all Trump's fault. I knew it would be.
"The Arkema plant has been identified as one of the most hazardous in the state. Its failure followed releases of contaminants from several other area petrochemical plants and systemic breakdowns of water and sewer systems in Houston and elsewhere in the storm-struck region."
You do have to wonder if this would have happened in a better-regulated state. My guess is no.
You do have to wonder if this would have happened in a better-regulated state. My guess is no.
5
They refused regulations for safety reasons..?
7
A simple solution to solve this kind of issue is to require chemical companies and the like to put their refrigeration units and back-up generators on the roof of their building. This is hardly unprecedented, as cold storage companies do this to protect the expensive units and copper plumbing from being vandalized. It adds cost of course, but it will prevent flooding from causing this issue in the future. I dont get why these companies would not already do this considering the danger posed with a failure.
6
In a general way, I have always held the view that blaming God for catastrophes of nature was a primitive view. Now, after seeing the destruction of Houston, the center of fossil fuel power and the purveyors of Climate change denial, I'm facing a moral question of whether God has destroyed Houston to save the world he created. This catastrophe will most definitely change the debate about man's destruction of the environment. Has God spoken or is this just a natural event that defies astronomical odds? I put this forth for debate.
3
Since downtown Houston is only 50 feet above sea level, it seems reasonable to expect that hurricane storm surges will continue to drown that city.
Where to begin?
I think that anyone who wanted deregulation or a reduction in regulations for such dangerous chemicals should be escorted to the site -- will they still want to breathe in the campfire-like smoke? (Since they're all politicians and CEO's, they'll be able to afford the health hazard.) Make the executives live downwind; nothing will make regulations seem more affordable. Also, let the manufacturers pay for healthcare for local residents.
If Houston insists on rebuilding, I think they owe it to themselves (and other taxpayers) to include the kind of engineering the Dutch use to hold back the sea. If Dutch engineers say it won't work, then convert low-lying residential areas to flood control. The US Navy recognizes sea level rise as one of the primary dangers that lies ahead. Perhaps we should believe them. Don't rebuild where it will soon flood again!
I hope someone sets up a special healthcare for responders, as they did with 9/11. Please include volunteers from other countries, like Mexico.
As for education of climate deniers? Anyone still in denial is so wilfully and spitefully ignorant, it's hard to think there's any hope for them. If you gave them oceanfront properties downwind from hazardous chemical plants, they'd move right in.
Where to begin?
I think that anyone who wanted deregulation or a reduction in regulations for such dangerous chemicals should be escorted to the site -- will they still want to breathe in the campfire-like smoke? (Since they're all politicians and CEO's, they'll be able to afford the health hazard.) Make the executives live downwind; nothing will make regulations seem more affordable. Also, let the manufacturers pay for healthcare for local residents.
If Houston insists on rebuilding, I think they owe it to themselves (and other taxpayers) to include the kind of engineering the Dutch use to hold back the sea. If Dutch engineers say it won't work, then convert low-lying residential areas to flood control. The US Navy recognizes sea level rise as one of the primary dangers that lies ahead. Perhaps we should believe them. Don't rebuild where it will soon flood again!
I hope someone sets up a special healthcare for responders, as they did with 9/11. Please include volunteers from other countries, like Mexico.
As for education of climate deniers? Anyone still in denial is so wilfully and spitefully ignorant, it's hard to think there's any hope for them. If you gave them oceanfront properties downwind from hazardous chemical plants, they'd move right in.
10
Lois: Excellent point about the Netherlands! Rotterdam is the biggest port in Europe, and they definitely would handle chemicals like the ones in Texas, but safely. The Dutch are also centuries ahead of us in water, flooding, and controlling rising sea levels. If this administration hasn't yet insulted Prime Minister Rutte, and we actually have an ambassador to the Netherlands, the government should be calling them up Yesterday to ask for advice.
"Has been identified as one of the most hazardous in the state" -- passive voice, little follow up detail re exactly why it is supposedly so hazardous. Maybe this plant is one of the most hazardous plants in the entire state of Texas but this story fails to provide the particulars to back up that alarming allegation.
11
You should have read the whole article. It's all there.
I did read the entire article and it is not there.
1
No regulations, no reports of chemicals on site, all of this sounds self inflicted. Pre-existing condition, high risk pool? hmm.
8
Aspects of this story are representative of what most Trump voters seem to be regularly missing. The same story was "buried" lower in the headlines at the Fox News website and made no mention of the Trump Administration delaying regulatory enforcement until 2019. Their coverage never discussed Texas Republican leadership eliminating Tier II reporting after a 2013 chemical plant explosion.
Trump supporters perceive "the media" as constantly attacking Trump yet their "conservative media" fails to provide all details associated with journalistic news of the day. Four of five Trump voters in a recent focus group discussion of issues when questioned about their knowledge of Robert Mueller and his investigative efforts responded "Don't know.".
I'm not sure how to present a depth of information to Trump voters who exclusively shackle themselves to severely biased AM radio and Fox News other than to speak to them one on one as opportunity arises. Worse still are the lies and falsehoods spewed forth by Trump himself to his sheeple.
Trump supporters perceive "the media" as constantly attacking Trump yet their "conservative media" fails to provide all details associated with journalistic news of the day. Four of five Trump voters in a recent focus group discussion of issues when questioned about their knowledge of Robert Mueller and his investigative efforts responded "Don't know.".
I'm not sure how to present a depth of information to Trump voters who exclusively shackle themselves to severely biased AM radio and Fox News other than to speak to them one on one as opportunity arises. Worse still are the lies and falsehoods spewed forth by Trump himself to his sheeple.
50
So this plant has been in EPA violation since 2010, all during Obama's administration and this is Trump's fault for not rubber stamping another EPA rule that won't be followed? The EPA has become a bureaucratic waste of taxpayer money.
Let's use pictures of the oil refinery haze and chemical mess as incentive to use less gasoline. If you don't buy it they won't sell it.
Let's use pictures of the oil refinery haze and chemical mess as incentive to use less gasoline. If you don't buy it they won't sell it.
1
Perhaps picture books would do the trick.
Apparently that is how the Intelligence agencies report to Trump.
Simplistic crayon drawings.
Apparently that is how the Intelligence agencies report to Trump.
Simplistic crayon drawings.
5
As individuals we really need to try and keep our readership well rounded.
We need to read the N.Y. Times as well as listen to Fox affiliates.
You need to digest both sides of stories and decide what's reasonable for yourselves.Usually I find the truth or reasonable action lies in the middle.
We need to read the N.Y. Times as well as listen to Fox affiliates.
You need to digest both sides of stories and decide what's reasonable for yourselves.Usually I find the truth or reasonable action lies in the middle.
1
Just another example of a “fly by night” Texas example of “freedom”. I worked for 32 years in heavy industry many of them in a plant located on the Mississippi River. I know what it takes to keep a plant (and your investment) safe from flooding. Levees around your plant, flood pumps, stand by generators and above all a written plan to deal with problems seen and unseen. It is money well invested, you can’t do it on the cheap.
27
Who needs regulations?
Librarian extremism.
Librarian extremism.
6
I will give you a Texas Answer ( Ted Cruz answer) for this news piece.
We need more deregulation, No federal oversight and their stifling rules.
By the way reality is Please donate some for Harvey Victims, situation is over there way worse than you imagine. So lets unite and donate or help.
But politics of Ted Cruz , No money for Sandy victims, but yes money for Harvey Victims.
These politicians only legacy is dividing our country even on the basis of Hurricane victims plain ABOMINABLE.
We need more deregulation, No federal oversight and their stifling rules.
By the way reality is Please donate some for Harvey Victims, situation is over there way worse than you imagine. So lets unite and donate or help.
But politics of Ted Cruz , No money for Sandy victims, but yes money for Harvey Victims.
These politicians only legacy is dividing our country even on the basis of Hurricane victims plain ABOMINABLE.
11
The problem is over-regulation! Especially over-regulation and over-enforcement by the EPA. Trump/Pruitt/Texas/Republicans shut the EPA down!
You have to be kidding. New Jersey, with 21 counties has 100 Superfund sites, the most of any of the other 49 states.
5
Then what, Bhopal every where, thanks Howard go stand next to Christie.
3
Do you mean no regulation? Something to consider as the paint on your car melts in acid rain, and children and grandchildren wheeze away in the polluted air.
A good stiff wind and Texans will be screaming from exposure to organic peroxide.
A good stiff wind and Texans will be screaming from exposure to organic peroxide.
2
Hey, Trump!
Now that a huge portion of East Texas has become a chemical-laden swamp, how ya gonna drain it?
Now that a huge portion of East Texas has become a chemical-laden swamp, how ya gonna drain it?
22
This type of industry must be eliminated; there must be some kind of environmentally and hygienically correct alternative to it.
4
Then where would you get your organic peroxides?
As any environmental professional who has spent more than 3 decades reading EPA and state environmental reports, Texas is among the top ten in states that fly under the radar of EPA compliance regulations.
Remember the fertilizer explosion blast in West Texas in 2013? Anhydrous ammonia? Killed 15 people? This site had compliance violations to OSHA when this site wasn't inspected for 15 years. Are we to feel sorry for Texans who value profit over human life? This site, like many in Texas, get away with EPA violations for years because the cowboys in this state put their states' rights above the safety of the nation.
They refuse to obey EPA regulations or barely comply. They do not care that chlorine, dangerous petrochemicals and ammonia can kill people in neighboring states.
But, let's feel so sorry for poor Big Rich Texas, That Whole Other Country, that cares so little for neighboring states unless Texas needs funding for oil spills and flooding. Then, this state that has threatened to secede half a dozen times suddenly wants in on the "united" part of being United States.
The reason the Founding Fathers created the Federal government was for this very purpose: To force states who endanger the lives of people in other states to obey safety regulations. Even a child in first grade nows to play it safe. Why doesn't Texas?
Remember the fertilizer explosion blast in West Texas in 2013? Anhydrous ammonia? Killed 15 people? This site had compliance violations to OSHA when this site wasn't inspected for 15 years. Are we to feel sorry for Texans who value profit over human life? This site, like many in Texas, get away with EPA violations for years because the cowboys in this state put their states' rights above the safety of the nation.
They refuse to obey EPA regulations or barely comply. They do not care that chlorine, dangerous petrochemicals and ammonia can kill people in neighboring states.
But, let's feel so sorry for poor Big Rich Texas, That Whole Other Country, that cares so little for neighboring states unless Texas needs funding for oil spills and flooding. Then, this state that has threatened to secede half a dozen times suddenly wants in on the "united" part of being United States.
The reason the Founding Fathers created the Federal government was for this very purpose: To force states who endanger the lives of people in other states to obey safety regulations. Even a child in first grade nows to play it safe. Why doesn't Texas?
230
This is a great observation and I hope it's re-published on Sunday.
3
Even a child in the first grade nows [sic] why the Founding Fathers created the United States. And, it wasn't to establish a federal administrative government to ride herd on the member States. Read the Constitution sometime. Don't forget to start with the Preamble.
It seems that Mother Nature (and insurance companies) may very well compel the compliance the government won't.
1
Hey Arkema, how do you like this free advertising?
What I'm getting is that you make a rather dangerous compound that has to be kept at just the right temperature or, should it warm, boom! And also what I'm getting is that you fought new regulations to make your plant safer and work closer with authorities on emergency measures during natural disasters.
Of course you'll get on the whichever news outlet and also take some ad space in the Houston Chronicle telling us how many people you employ and how Arkema Families are involved in the community (like Chevron and Exxon when they get caught doing something lame) and so on and so forth.
I know you'll play that game.
But tell us, what good does your regulation fighting do for anybody? Why wouldn't you be a company that is at the forefront for encouraging strong regulations?
Why can't just one of you companies be a hero?
Why can't one of you companies that make dangerous stuff we need (yes I admit) not fight regulations which in turn require a level of corrupting our elected leaders? For not one of our lawmakers or people like Scott Pruitt can do what they do without a level of corruption based on unethical interference. In other words they are asked to lie. Our elected leaders have to lie when they are asked by companies to cut regulations. Now whether they take money for it or not it is still corruption.
When will you companies do the right thing first?
What I'm getting is that you make a rather dangerous compound that has to be kept at just the right temperature or, should it warm, boom! And also what I'm getting is that you fought new regulations to make your plant safer and work closer with authorities on emergency measures during natural disasters.
Of course you'll get on the whichever news outlet and also take some ad space in the Houston Chronicle telling us how many people you employ and how Arkema Families are involved in the community (like Chevron and Exxon when they get caught doing something lame) and so on and so forth.
I know you'll play that game.
But tell us, what good does your regulation fighting do for anybody? Why wouldn't you be a company that is at the forefront for encouraging strong regulations?
Why can't just one of you companies be a hero?
Why can't one of you companies that make dangerous stuff we need (yes I admit) not fight regulations which in turn require a level of corrupting our elected leaders? For not one of our lawmakers or people like Scott Pruitt can do what they do without a level of corruption based on unethical interference. In other words they are asked to lie. Our elected leaders have to lie when they are asked by companies to cut regulations. Now whether they take money for it or not it is still corruption.
When will you companies do the right thing first?
29
Yes, a thousand time over. CORPORATIONS SPEND HUGELY TO KEEP MURDERING OUR AIR, OUR WATER, OUR EARTH. Your comment says it all, thank you.
3
As I understand it (with thanks to Rachel Maddow), Texas has no zoning laws and does not allow local communities to write any on their own. If they had, foreign chemical companies would not find the Houston area so attractive -- right now it's sort of like building in a third world country or the Wild West where all the citizens are on their own.
Texas also does not require chemical companies to divulge what they are producing/storing in their facilities. Again, this makes it very convenient for the companies to work on anything, anywhere in Texas, including near schools and residences, albeit terrifying for those living close by when an accident happens, as it surely will.
Now that I write this, I realize this is the vision Trump has for business throughout America. We don't need no regulations, and every man, woman, and child is on their own. Paddle your own canoe taken literally.
Texas also does not require chemical companies to divulge what they are producing/storing in their facilities. Again, this makes it very convenient for the companies to work on anything, anywhere in Texas, including near schools and residences, albeit terrifying for those living close by when an accident happens, as it surely will.
Now that I write this, I realize this is the vision Trump has for business throughout America. We don't need no regulations, and every man, woman, and child is on their own. Paddle your own canoe taken literally.
32
Texas legislature PIMPS out the citizens' air, water, and quality of life. WHY?
You need to get your information from someone other than Rachel Maddow. She's the left-wing version of right-wing talk radio.
Hmmm, Texas. It's that the state that is "business friendly" because it doesn't have silly, burdensome regulations? The ones that are too expensive and expose trade secrets?
I wonder what the cost of the regulations would be compared to what this company will pay now. And what will be the cost to federal taxpayers for the damage the company won't pay for? And if I was a first responder, wouldn't I be wondering what danger those "trade secrets" might be posing for me?
In the end, I'm betting this plant won't be the only example of the business first policies of Republicans.
I wonder what the cost of the regulations would be compared to what this company will pay now. And what will be the cost to federal taxpayers for the damage the company won't pay for? And if I was a first responder, wouldn't I be wondering what danger those "trade secrets" might be posing for me?
In the end, I'm betting this plant won't be the only example of the business first policies of Republicans.
19
I wonder how the "recovery" funds will be spent? Will "re-location" of homes, at least, to less flood prone areas be mandated?
Somehow, I doubt it. The funds will be "wasted", once again, by rebuilding "in place", where the next storm "100 year" storm will cause similar damage. Yep, that's sane, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Somehow, I doubt it. The funds will be "wasted", once again, by rebuilding "in place", where the next storm "100 year" storm will cause similar damage. Yep, that's sane, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
27
According to reports:
- After a large fertilizer plant explosion in 2013, Texas' current governor Greg Abbott who was then the state A.G. rescinded a rule that required plants using and storing hazardous materials to file a periodic report of their inventory of those materials. These documents were available for public review and were a way to inform localities of the potential danger in their midst, and they were also a source of reliable information for emergency managers and first responders. This action by Scott was a blatant step away from improving the safety of local residents and the ability to plan and respond should there be an accidental release or a disaster.
Disasters happen, but the lack of regulation, accountability, and effective local and state government operations and planning makes matters worse - and costs more in taxpayer dollars in the long run.
- After a large fertilizer plant explosion in 2013, Texas' current governor Greg Abbott who was then the state A.G. rescinded a rule that required plants using and storing hazardous materials to file a periodic report of their inventory of those materials. These documents were available for public review and were a way to inform localities of the potential danger in their midst, and they were also a source of reliable information for emergency managers and first responders. This action by Scott was a blatant step away from improving the safety of local residents and the ability to plan and respond should there be an accidental release or a disaster.
Disasters happen, but the lack of regulation, accountability, and effective local and state government operations and planning makes matters worse - and costs more in taxpayer dollars in the long run.
17
To your last statement: Of course it all ends up costing more, a lot more, on every level. There is NO such thing as a "conservative" they are all just REPUBLICANS, and they conserve nothing.
1
Yes, GY, and the illustrious Mr. Abbott told people they could drive to the businesses and ask them if they stored hazardous materials. He is the BIG money operative poster boy.
1
Oh, regulations are "too costly?" For whom? Certainly not for the surrounding community, which has to bear the brunt of industrial accidents and system failures. That includes the possibly fatal effects of polluted air and water. Either you oversee and regulate industrial activity in a serious and responsible way or you take the corrupt, laissez-faire Third World approach favored by Texas Republicans.
10
Costly and prohibitive regulations for the CEO's only. Not for the general public and environment. But that's Texas and the GOP for you.
Now what are they going to do as hazardous chemicals disperse into the air and leech into the groundwater?
Sometimes regulations are actually good.
What will Mr. Pruitt do? Direct all EPA personnel to not talk about the data from the scene or bury the reports as he so loves to do?
This is but one site in the Houston area and many more need to be checked.
What chemicals are in the flood waters? What chemicals have leaked into the ground? Will the government of Texas and the EPA be honest and forthright about any dangers?
Or when the waters recede and the 500,000 undocumented immigrants are rounded up and escorted south, do they hope any complaints will leave with the immigrants?
I am sorry for being so cynical. I support all efforts to help the greater Houston area recover. What I do not support is the GOP Texas style of hypocrisy and meanness.
Now what are they going to do as hazardous chemicals disperse into the air and leech into the groundwater?
Sometimes regulations are actually good.
What will Mr. Pruitt do? Direct all EPA personnel to not talk about the data from the scene or bury the reports as he so loves to do?
This is but one site in the Houston area and many more need to be checked.
What chemicals are in the flood waters? What chemicals have leaked into the ground? Will the government of Texas and the EPA be honest and forthright about any dangers?
Or when the waters recede and the 500,000 undocumented immigrants are rounded up and escorted south, do they hope any complaints will leave with the immigrants?
I am sorry for being so cynical. I support all efforts to help the greater Houston area recover. What I do not support is the GOP Texas style of hypocrisy and meanness.
8
Perhaps Houston should be converted to a toxic, chemical wasteland with an impermeable wall surrounding it. But, only if these industries purchase all the residential property and see that current owners can all move to comparable housing elsewhere in the nation.
4
This was covered on Rachel Maddow's show the evening before the blast. She covered what happened in the city of West, Texas (in East Texas), and talked of this plant and the no-zoning rules that apply. Along with the Trump administrations roll-back of rules requiring chemical plants to notify residents of what their location. Even the current plant owners are being evasive as to the current type of chemicals and hazards to humanity. But, since they are no longer required to provide the Tier 2 reports, what do they care---this company thinks they are right, but they are dead wrong. I guess rules are for the little guy to follow.
10
Regulations are rules. Republicans seem to have a fascination with them when it comes to the criminal justice system and people's personal behavior, but balk whenever they apply to capitalism and the behavior of corporations- you know, the other people. The plethora of regulations that have been implemented are mostly all in response to corporations cutting corners or engaging in risky behaviors where something bad happens and new regulations are created to prevent a repeat of what happened. Free markets and capitalism function well with a good set of rules and regulations, without which, you have feral capitalism which will implode. As demonstrated, yet again, the tax payers, workers, and the surrounding community suffer when rules are broken or not even implement in the first place.
137
The International Business Times pointed out that the effort to" stop plant safety rules was blocked by Texas safety rules by top Republican lawmakers who have received big campaign donations from chemical industry donors." Ken Paxton, the Texas AG received $106,000 from chemical industry donors during his 2014 run for AG. Paxton co-authored a letter which "chastised the EPA for proposing to require chemical plants to more expansively disclose catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals and berated regulators for requiring independent audits of facilities' safety procedures."
Seems like the chemical industry made a sound investment with GOP politicians in Texas. I wonder who will be financially responsible for the clean-up?
http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/texas-republicans-helped-chemic...
Seems like the chemical industry made a sound investment with GOP politicians in Texas. I wonder who will be financially responsible for the clean-up?
http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/texas-republicans-helped-chemic...
21
Let's keep the focus on Trump's executive order reversing flood regulations earlier this month: http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reversed-obama-flooding-regulations...
21
What was that about "job-killing regulations?"
10
It is outrageous that the chemical industry is allowed to construct plants on land that is prone to flooding and other disasters, and within earshot of residential areas. It is even more outrageous that Texas does not require these plants to reveal what is contained on that property to the public.
It is time to regulate these industries so that they are isolated from communities and they are indeed environmentally safe. We must demand this.
Will any of them bear responsibility for the chemical soup they have added to the water, land and air in Texas?
Profits are not more important than people.
It is time to regulate these industries so that they are isolated from communities and they are indeed environmentally safe. We must demand this.
Will any of them bear responsibility for the chemical soup they have added to the water, land and air in Texas?
Profits are not more important than people.
18
The Trump admin is going out of its way to reduce regulations on plants like this and to make it harder for local citizens and first responders to understand the hazards they face in their own back yard. In spite of the 2013 Waco explosion, Texas corporations and lawmakers (and voters) have continued to resist regulations in the name of profit.
I know it's considered distasteful to say "I told you so" to any Texan this week, but we can't deny that folks there are getting exactly what they vote for. Don't fall for the platitudes about "freedom" and unregulated development and industry. If citizens don't hold their elected officials accountable and demand what's best for society, then they really have nobody to blame but themselves.
I know it's considered distasteful to say "I told you so" to any Texan this week, but we can't deny that folks there are getting exactly what they vote for. Don't fall for the platitudes about "freedom" and unregulated development and industry. If citizens don't hold their elected officials accountable and demand what's best for society, then they really have nobody to blame but themselves.
7
Now that the EPA is hobbled and other federal agencies are either leaderless or led by people with no experience, does anyone expect much to happen? Insurance companies will be on the hook for large corporate losses. The Houston oligarchs will be taking extended vacations until their estates are throughly clean. The poor and middle class will have to deal with the bugs, the smells, and the toxic aftermath.
23
As happened in Fukushima, a "back-up" power gererator was not positioned high enough to avoid being submerged by rising waters.
That, however, would be a feature if a well regulated society.
Apparently that's not worth the trouble.
So expensive to mount your generators on a used shipping container or a raised concrete structure!
You can't tell me what to do!
That's a feature of our brave new world...apparently.
That, however, would be a feature if a well regulated society.
Apparently that's not worth the trouble.
So expensive to mount your generators on a used shipping container or a raised concrete structure!
You can't tell me what to do!
That's a feature of our brave new world...apparently.
18
The New York Times needs to go all out in exposing the deregulatory insanity of 45. This is the back story behind Harvey and, of course, a direct connection to dysfunctional chemical plants spewing pollutants in the wake of a climate change fueled mega-storm.
Trump IS the tip of a kind of massive computer virus unleashed by a duped TV watching and relatively ignorant electorate aided an abetted by malevolent conmen like Pruitt and Trump himself.
The Times needs to passionately and consistently expose the underside of the disaster that is Trump's "Presidency" - a true cancer on the Republic.
Trump IS the tip of a kind of massive computer virus unleashed by a duped TV watching and relatively ignorant electorate aided an abetted by malevolent conmen like Pruitt and Trump himself.
The Times needs to passionately and consistently expose the underside of the disaster that is Trump's "Presidency" - a true cancer on the Republic.
17
The uncontrolled thermal decomposition of the Arkema peroxides just has to release all sorts toxic aromatics that no one should breath, ever. The smoke is a dead give away of partial decomposition that leads to toxic intermediates.
8
Since climate change is getting more difficult to dispute, the new mantra for the anti-regulation folks is protect trade secrets. After the West, TX explosion killing 15 people, Texas moved to further protect "trade secrets" rather than protect human life.
There are over two dozen Superfund sites flooded. Between Texas' massive pollution problems and their fervent desire for the death penalty, their policies are anything but pro-life.
There are over two dozen Superfund sites flooded. Between Texas' massive pollution problems and their fervent desire for the death penalty, their policies are anything but pro-life.
10
Obvious contempt for regulations and laws.
Remember: Leadership starts at the top.
Remember: Leadership starts at the top.
8
Aren't all these oil and petrochemical facilities in Texas and Louisiana vulnerable to rising seas, warmer water and storms of the century that will start coming every five years? Of course Siegfried and Gunnar Koch give no credence to climate change. What is the terminus of the Keystone pipeline? Somewhere on theGulf coast.
4
Texas refused to regulate chemical industries and now they are paying the consequences of their brainless inaction, as Republicans didn't want to burden their big donors. Now, I hope, families of the victims would file a lawsuit against their assemblymen and governor.
8
If we ignore or don't learn the lessons that natural disasters like Harvey have to teach us, then we will repeat the same mistakes over and over. Texas does not require these industries that store and use chemicals to tell the public what they have in their plants. The spokesperson for Arkema refused to answer a reporter's question about what hazardous substances were in the plant that might explode. That is not in the best interests and safety of Americans who live near the plant or responders who have to deal with the effects. But the Trump Administration continues to gleefully get rid of any regulation, whether it's EPA or banking or flooding, that might cut into some company's profit margin. Health and safety do not appear to be issues worthy of discussion with either Trump or the Republicans. The swamp is not only deeper but now it is lethal.
10
Unstable chemicals with no back up power generator in a secure place,to keep them cool,with people living close by.
Irresponsible industry and government actions which citizens pay for.And they want tax reductions.
Irresponsible industry and government actions which citizens pay for.And they want tax reductions.
57
Hey Canadian, Watch your words, These are our beloved Texan politicians, they deny climate change, they refuse evolution , they believe no government but gun saturated white people communities, oh yes tax cuts.
They are our beloved Texans politicians without them we cannot understand what is evil what is saint. ( such as Ted Cruz evil)
They are our beloved Texans politicians without them we cannot understand what is evil what is saint. ( such as Ted Cruz evil)
1
Seriously, they didn't expect six feet of floodwater in a low lying hurricane and coastal zone? After Fukushima and Sandy? Go to the Jersey Shore and you'll see that the A/C units of almost every house are now raised. We have to buy flood insurance because our basement garage is two feet inside a once in a hundred years flood zone - and they couldn't figure it out - the maps are available online for free. Environmental concerns aside, the cost of raising A/C and backup generators will be minuscule compared to what it's going to cost now.
12
I live in NJ all my life. Hurricane Harvey didn't bring nearly as much damage as SuperStorm Sandy. Hurricane Harvey is not their first. Why do they wait until their refineries and chemical plants end up killing people in other states?
The coverage of this incident is of no merit. The possible hazards are unstated, referred to only as black or noxious smoke, which means nothing (what do you call cigarette smoke or care exhaust?).
Most hazardous chemicals are incinerated, just as your gasoline engines incinerate petroleum. Certain unstable materials (peroxides) will explode, and the danger is the first and foremost shock wave, not the combustion. So, if you have an agent that is essentially a bomb, you put it someplace where the inevitable will do the least physical damage.
Incomplete combustion (cigarette smoke, car exhaust, barbeques, chimneys, etc) does release other agents - many hazardous - into the air.
So, it would be informative, as opposed to spectacular, for our information-gathering newspapers to ask questions and inform the public what they're supposed to be afraid or outraged about, and let us think, as opposed to just telling us to be afraid and outraged.
Most hazardous chemicals are incinerated, just as your gasoline engines incinerate petroleum. Certain unstable materials (peroxides) will explode, and the danger is the first and foremost shock wave, not the combustion. So, if you have an agent that is essentially a bomb, you put it someplace where the inevitable will do the least physical damage.
Incomplete combustion (cigarette smoke, car exhaust, barbeques, chimneys, etc) does release other agents - many hazardous - into the air.
So, it would be informative, as opposed to spectacular, for our information-gathering newspapers to ask questions and inform the public what they're supposed to be afraid or outraged about, and let us think, as opposed to just telling us to be afraid and outraged.
10
Your suggestions, however, would not support the "progressive" narrative that all companies are evil and need to be controlled by a central government.
Actually, it would be nice to know -- as would it be nice for the citizens living nearby or the emergency personnel trying to save lives around the plant.
The problem is, the company isn't required to tell anyone by Texas law. And when pressed by a Texas reporter the company refused to tell him. This alone should make all Americans afraid and outraged.
The problem is, the company isn't required to tell anyone by Texas law. And when pressed by a Texas reporter the company refused to tell him. This alone should make all Americans afraid and outraged.
5
"So, it would be informative, as opposed to spectacular, for our information-gathering newspapers to ask questions and inform the public what they're supposed to be afraid or outraged about......"
Gee, didn't the Texas legislature in its infinite wisdom pass a law allowing petrochemical companies to operate in secret?
Gee, didn't the Texas legislature in its infinite wisdom pass a law allowing petrochemical companies to operate in secret?
8
My heart goes out to the people of this region. This is terrifying news! Now is time to take our environment seriously..we cannot afford these kinds of tragedies on a regular basis. Love canal is a memory for me; living in Niagara Falls at the time. Our government has a responsibility to take care of its people..meaning our quality of life; Water, Air.
17
"We didn't anticipate...." - Famous last words. That's how this country operates........lack of being proactive. We always seem to put fixes in after disasters happen. Like my mother used to say "It's like closing the barn door after the horses get out."
21
Yes that is how this nation operates particularly after Trump " who knew health care is so complex, WHO KNEW!"
That si our motto any more , We do not condone anticipation, we do wing it.
That si our motto any more , We do not condone anticipation, we do wing it.
1
In New York City Playwright/activist Dr. Larry Myers is journeying to Houston. Dr .Myers directs The Playwrights Sanctuary to help new & younger dramatists assemble their works. Dr Myers penned new stage work "Houston Future Atlantis" to help raise cash for endangered pets in Texas. He composed a drama "limericks From Undisclosed Locations" about his post Katrina experiences. It played at Shetler Side Studio
and helped Orleans guys/
and helped Orleans guys/
What republicans don't understand;
There is no economy without a clean environment.
Regulations help business and employ people .
Taxes allow businesses to exist, i.e. Highways, airports ,
education etc.
If it weren't for taxes and regulations the economy
would collapse. Try starting a business in a place
like Yemen or Somalia.
How many thousands in Houston will now be exposed
to cancer causing chemicals?
There is no economy without a clean environment.
Regulations help business and employ people .
Taxes allow businesses to exist, i.e. Highways, airports ,
education etc.
If it weren't for taxes and regulations the economy
would collapse. Try starting a business in a place
like Yemen or Somalia.
How many thousands in Houston will now be exposed
to cancer causing chemicals?
11
The reality on the ground, for the governments involved and the companies is that no one knows what the implications of the release of this toxic soup of chemicals into the surrounding environment are and if they say they do they are lying. Moreover, it is doubtful we will ever be able to even get an accurate accounting of what seeped out of what where. But we can be sure of one thing. It will be the people living in the neighborhoods surrounding these gargantuan chemical plants replete with leaking tanks, broken pipes and overflowing resevoirs that will live with the consequences. Not just for months but decades. And if by chance some assessment of the damage is recognized by the courts it is also likely a lot of these companies will be declaring bankruptcy rather than paying the millions in damages that are owed. Yet another example of our system's corrupting current instinct to privatise profits and socialize losses.
18
NPR reported that 4,000 people live within 3 miles of this plant. But not to worry, the EPA said airborne measurements showed no immediate health threats. Although that's what they said at Ground Zero in NYC.
28
The EPA says this under Trump. It would never have said this under a Democratic president. Thanks to Trump's EPA chief, Texas has gone right back to non compliance. They just do not care who else in this country ends up dead from their refusal to comply with safety and environmental regulations.
1
“The explosions — more are expected, the company said — will bring fresh scrutiny on whether these plants are adequately regulated and monitored by state and federal safety officials.”
The Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans have as one of their priorities to cut environmental, health and safety regulations claiming that regulations are impeding growth.
The Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans have as one or their priorities to revise the structure of tax rates such that the greatest benefit will accrue to the one-percenters.
The Bully in Chief has as one of his priorities to build an ultra-expensive wall on the border with Mexico. And who will pay for this wall ???
And what are the Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans plans for domestic priorities, such as Health Care, Climate Change, emergency damage relief and reconstruction and many other domestic priorities ???
Trump has proved again and again that he is long on promises and short on delivery.
Trump still has to prove if he has America’s priorities instead of his own egotistical distorted view of the world at the top of his list !!!
Meanwhile, Texans are suffering in great pain and grief … and the reconstruction will take many years.
The Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans have as one of their priorities to cut environmental, health and safety regulations claiming that regulations are impeding growth.
The Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans have as one or their priorities to revise the structure of tax rates such that the greatest benefit will accrue to the one-percenters.
The Bully in Chief has as one of his priorities to build an ultra-expensive wall on the border with Mexico. And who will pay for this wall ???
And what are the Bully in Chief and the “do nothing” Republicans plans for domestic priorities, such as Health Care, Climate Change, emergency damage relief and reconstruction and many other domestic priorities ???
Trump has proved again and again that he is long on promises and short on delivery.
Trump still has to prove if he has America’s priorities instead of his own egotistical distorted view of the world at the top of his list !!!
Meanwhile, Texans are suffering in great pain and grief … and the reconstruction will take many years.
10
Many of us all enjoy typing our self-righteous and ill-informed thoughts on chemicals and the chemical industry on our plastic keyboards and cell phone keypads. A "1000-year storm" hits a major center of the American chemical manufacture and some are screaming about lax safeguards. The debate should be as to what's reasonable as far as hazard mitigation and how much will we pay for our plastics, our gasoline and diesel fuel, our lifestyle, if we plan to defeat every possible disaster, no matter how infrequent.
2
It is not a 1000-year storm. I think we are looking at a regular occurrence now.
1
or relocate to Bhopal India,right?
No,not right.Reasonable distances from population centers is completely doable and possible.
Legislation through Bankruptcy that insulates corporations and individuals from liability and responsibility for injured people and environments needs to be rethought.We cannot let individuals responsible for such great harm walk away with millions just to do it again.
No,not right.Reasonable distances from population centers is completely doable and possible.
Legislation through Bankruptcy that insulates corporations and individuals from liability and responsibility for injured people and environments needs to be rethought.We cannot let individuals responsible for such great harm walk away with millions just to do it again.
1
Backup power generator raised by 10feet, what a complicated and costly investment.
1
The issue at the chemical plant should not be the headline of this major storm. The company anticipated the problem, informed the public ahead of time, left a skeleton crew to monitor it, had the area evacuated and there is damage at that site. The root cause of the explosions is the hurricane and loss of power and flooding. Was the plant built in a 1 in 500 flood plain? Perhaps that is the story.
The real concern should be the plants that had explosions with no warning, did not inform the public, evacuate the area and had loss of life. In these cases there was an operational issue that was not addressed.
We must live with the industries that provide the goods that we use or we will be importing everything.
The real concern should be the plants that had explosions with no warning, did not inform the public, evacuate the area and had loss of life. In these cases there was an operational issue that was not addressed.
We must live with the industries that provide the goods that we use or we will be importing everything.
1
Texas enables companies to hide the dangers of their facilities and materials. Yet if you drive through or visit Texas, there is no warning that you are in a potentially unsafe industrial environment.
As Texans maintain a government that is negligent in reasonably-expected public safety tasks, our federal government should step in, with continuous and clear warnings on a variety of media, informing the U.S. public of the increased level of hazards in the state.
As Texans maintain a government that is negligent in reasonably-expected public safety tasks, our federal government should step in, with continuous and clear warnings on a variety of media, informing the U.S. public of the increased level of hazards in the state.
8
Unfortunately, our current administration is going in the same direction. For now, best not to look to Texas or to the White House for effective leadership on such matters.
2
"But in June the Trump administration delayed enforcement of the regulations until at least early 2019. That followed lobbying against the rules by the chemicals industry, including Arkema, which argued that they were too costly"
Trump deregulates the country to the danger of so many and the Democrats are silent? Do we have an opposition party? Or have they spoken out and the nightly news media have been scared off reporting it due to fear of Trump's "fake news" attacks.
Trump deregulates the country to the danger of so many and the Democrats are silent? Do we have an opposition party? Or have they spoken out and the nightly news media have been scared off reporting it due to fear of Trump's "fake news" attacks.
11
In New York City The Playwrights Sanctuary announces Director Playwright Larry Myers is headed to Houston to help. He has penned a new stage work called "Houston Future Atlantis" which will have reading to help aid endangered pets in Houston. Myers is headed to Houston. His play about his Post Katrina volunteer experiences was "Limericks From Undisclosed Locations" which was produced at Shetler Side Stage by Studio 54. Sanctuary helps new and younger dramatist assemble plays about human rights & crises.
If Trump had simply done nothing and allowed for the enforcement of the regulations of the chemicals industry that had been written by the Obama administration (against whom Texas would vote), the chemical disaster that is now poisoning Texans could have been, at least partially, averted? And facts about the dangers Houston would face in the event of a story would have been more widely understood? And how could anybody accept the the reason Arkema for supporting deregulation of chemical plants was concerns for their secrets? My God! What are these horrible people doing to us and our families? Did they truly imagine that their secrets would be more easily kept after the explosion? And by specifically deregulating an industry that is bloody well known to be so dangerous, is not Trump and his band of deregulation fundamentalists accomplices? For such crimes (and all of Houston are indeed victims of this chemical crime), need to be answered. Our president is the leader of the gang that is to blame, even if Texas voted for him.
17
The governments of Texas and Louisiana have aided and abetted the oil industry in cutting up and destroying the coastlines of their states in return for jobs and tax revenue. Now the costs of those industries is plastered all over the internet. This isn't news, Hurricane Rita, Gustuv, and Ike have caused great damage-only dwarfed by Katrina and now Harvey.
This doesn't even take into consideration the coastal destruction caused by off shore drilling. Louisiana shrinks by acres everyday, people lose their homes and businesses to the pollution and the gulf becomes a dead zone.
Someone needs to calculate the REAL cost of the petrochemical business and hand the oil companies a bill.
This doesn't even take into consideration the coastal destruction caused by off shore drilling. Louisiana shrinks by acres everyday, people lose their homes and businesses to the pollution and the gulf becomes a dead zone.
Someone needs to calculate the REAL cost of the petrochemical business and hand the oil companies a bill.
11
Oh whats the big deal? The petrochemical industry and its shareholders are perfectly happy to sacrifice a few lives to put more dollars of their bloated wallets. Its all about priorities and we see where the shareholders of Arkema and the petrochemical industry in general lie. Besides the true impact of exposure won't result in deaths for years, long after risk of a law suit is past. It would be a complete waste of money to invest in safety measures.
6
Who needs Islamic Extremist Terrorists to destroy our American way of life when we have Trump and his gang of deregulators in power?
9
It needs emphasis that Houston is a city that, unlike most others, doesn't have land use rules. This means that a petrochemical manufacturer can build a plant producing carcinogenic chemicals and emitting toxic substances to air and water right next to residential communities. This is part of the "no regulation" attraction of Houston and Texas to businesses seeking to escape restrictions on what products and waste they produce and where.
187
When you have no regulation and you allow people to build and live in potential flood zones it's asking for disaster.
It also needs emphasis that the people of the great state of Texas don't seem to care about their health and safety, and in fact have been vocal about wanting to secede from the union of states that do. I say let them. Then my tax money can go to help truly needy victims of 100% unavoidable catastrophes.
1
This French based chemical company was wise enough not to place this chemical plant near any major French city.
2
I see that Republicans are now all in favor of government spending billions for Harvey's victim. It is being called a shift inRepublicans attitude toward government spending. But it is NOT so. Republicans have always been in favor of raining billions on their own supporters, be they farmers, oil companies, corporations, arms manufacturers, etc. They become financial conservatives and anti-government spending when it is for the poor, the urban dwellers, and the disabled. Never underestimate their political hypocrisy. (P. S. I am in favor of doing everything possible for the distressed area_.
99
The corporations and their lobbyists get the profits, the taxpayer bears the costs. Where have we seen that before ?
Must make a Texan really proud.
Regulations are merely the logical extension of the bedrock American principle of checks and balances.
Regulations can appear a burdensome intrusion on liberty until the reason they were created becomes self-evident.
To paraphrase Madison, if men were angels, then regulations would not be necessary.
But are not angels - and some men have no interest in even attempting to emulate them, preferring instead to worship the almighty dollar.
Regulations can appear a burdensome intrusion on liberty until the reason they were created becomes self-evident.
To paraphrase Madison, if men were angels, then regulations would not be necessary.
But are not angels - and some men have no interest in even attempting to emulate them, preferring instead to worship the almighty dollar.
75
They did have four separate backup systems. It is quite likely that even if we had very strict regulations, they would have passed.
2
It is likely that with strict regulations this plant would not be so close to a residential area. It is likely that with strict regulations, Arkema would be more transparent about what materials were at risk of exploding and which ones were involved in the explosion that took place. If there were regulation it is likely that Arkema would have financial reserves to address containment after a disaster.
6
This is true but if a companies culture is about thinking of not just safety but protecting their product it can create better and longer duration for backup systems to be online say for example generators only last 6 hours then maybe they can be improved to last 18 hours and such. Regulations are just guidelines not the Bible per say. Remember loss of product is lost of profit
1
@GY - When they built the plant, it was in a very remote area.
Reading thru comments in recent days on other online outlets, Republicans and Trump supports seem to be calling for regulations that require strict building codes to withstand floods and hurricanes...especially painful for the many-generation and 'indigenous' residents of the gulf coast.
Many question why mid-westerners have to pay for these coastal residents silly decision to remain in the path of (climate change induced) devastation. No one wants to pay for the prevention and now many want no part of the much more expansive recovery and rebuild. Let them eat cake !
This, and the next disaster, will be another episode in the belt of the downward spiral of the US. Make America Greedy Again.
Many question why mid-westerners have to pay for these coastal residents silly decision to remain in the path of (climate change induced) devastation. No one wants to pay for the prevention and now many want no part of the much more expansive recovery and rebuild. Let them eat cake !
This, and the next disaster, will be another episode in the belt of the downward spiral of the US. Make America Greedy Again.
13
Something's is not quite right here.
"Republicans and Trump Supports" are not calling for regulations...
Fake comment?
"Republicans and Trump Supports" are not calling for regulations...
Fake comment?
7
It absolutely does not make sense to rebuild in the same area that is likely to have another catastrophic event in the near future. It did not make sense to rebuild New Orleans after Katrina, nor to rebuild shore homes/businesses after Sandy. Isn't that the definition of stupid? Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? So yes, as a Midwesterner, I do question why. You cannot prevent Mother Nature's wrath. Why do we try? And Houston? All of these homes are on top of petrochemical plants, polluting the air and the ground and the water. To rebuild them is folly.
4
are 'now' calling ...so sorry for the typo.
1
Lock them up. Right???
9
"We have significant concerns with providing security-sensitive information where disclosure of such information could create a risk to our sites and the communities surrounding them", says Susan See-Martin of Arkema in 2016. Did anyone get that? She really says that if anyone knew what chemicals they handle at the plant so security measures could be taken that would mean a risk to the plant and everyone living around it. Really? How dumb do these people think we are? If she had said something about trade secrets and staying competitive, well, that is the usual "profit before people's lives" industrial line, but at least you could relate to that on some plane, and it would be honest. But what she said is pure apple-sauce. It would be nice if reporters questioned such ludicrous statements on the spot.
85
What "Trade Secrets"? It's not an exclusive perfume or famous recipe or RX....if so why don't they have a patent or TM or Copyright if it? if it's so secret and they control it then they are 100% responsible & libel....they actually trade in hazardous chemicals...say no more....there are no trade secrets here, they put the entire community at risk w/ their so-called trade secrets? Not acceptable when this is the outcome. They are responsible and libel for the damages they have allowed by their mindless cost cutting and endless greed.
2
Thank Governor Scott for that - he rescinded the rules requiring periodic disclosures of hazardous materials by plant operators. Any concerns ?
2
I suppose it amounts to 'We'd be painting a target on this facility for terrorists'. Ironically, saying this has exactly the same effect, without forearming first responders in the event of , say, a hurricane.
2
It is as if the Earth knew how to send a message to the bad boys by having Harvey hit the petrochemical capital of the world's largest polluter and emitter of CO2 gases.
The timing of Harvey wrath is uncanny as it comes just a short half-a-year after Trump appoints:
Rex Tillerson, a Texan through and through and a man known for reaching the pinnacle of the most destructive fossil fuel company the world, to be our top diplomat (that includes negotiations on CO2 emission rules worldwide).
Scott Pruitt, who is basically owned by the oil & gas companies, to wreck the EPA and roll back regulations on the petrochemical facilities now blowing up in Houston within a few miles of residential areas.
Sam Clovis, a hardened and cheerleading climate change denier, to run the USDA and to ensure that regulations on the use of toxic chemicals in the agriculture industry are stripped down to nothing.
Texans voted for Trump and overwhelmingly so. Now they and we have to live with him, his bad boys, and their advancement of the fossil fuel and petrochemical industry's dominance over our lives ... and its rape of the earth.
The timing of Harvey wrath is uncanny as it comes just a short half-a-year after Trump appoints:
Rex Tillerson, a Texan through and through and a man known for reaching the pinnacle of the most destructive fossil fuel company the world, to be our top diplomat (that includes negotiations on CO2 emission rules worldwide).
Scott Pruitt, who is basically owned by the oil & gas companies, to wreck the EPA and roll back regulations on the petrochemical facilities now blowing up in Houston within a few miles of residential areas.
Sam Clovis, a hardened and cheerleading climate change denier, to run the USDA and to ensure that regulations on the use of toxic chemicals in the agriculture industry are stripped down to nothing.
Texans voted for Trump and overwhelmingly so. Now they and we have to live with him, his bad boys, and their advancement of the fossil fuel and petrochemical industry's dominance over our lives ... and its rape of the earth.
139
And do you think Harvey will be a wake-up call for Texans?
2
Some facts for you from a Texan.
1) 52% to 43% is not overwhelming. Not for Texas, a notoriously republican state.
2) If you would like to google a map of Texas you will see that the parts that have been hit the hardest are BLUE.
3) Our electoral votes are not the reason we are stuck with this incompetent administration. Since this state has always gone to the republican candidate (despite our best efforts), the democrats should have worked harder on all the swing states (known for being exactly that), which they did not.
1) 52% to 43% is not overwhelming. Not for Texas, a notoriously republican state.
2) If you would like to google a map of Texas you will see that the parts that have been hit the hardest are BLUE.
3) Our electoral votes are not the reason we are stuck with this incompetent administration. Since this state has always gone to the republican candidate (despite our best efforts), the democrats should have worked harder on all the swing states (known for being exactly that), which they did not.
3
Maybe there is a god.
Who needs regulations? There were no rich people living nearby that might be affected by the toxic waste.
52
Who uses gasoline everyday?
And I think it's fair to assume that Rick Perry -current Secretary of the Department of Energy, governor of Texas for 15 years- was a strident ally of these firms as they fought off the burdens of federal regulation.
Thanks, Mr. Secretary!
Thanks, Mr. Secretary!
56
Ummm....wasn't Rick Perry Governor of Texas? What were the protections set up for Texans?
No matter. Just send Perry over to be Energy Secretary, whoops.
And send Cathy Stepp from Wisconsin to the Environmental Protection Agency. Have fun with that one folks. Cathy Stepp was appointed to head the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by Trump Republican pal Governor Scott Walker. It has been a disaster.
Cathy Stepp does not even have a college degree - of any kind. But who needs an education when you're a Republican in charge of things like our environment and natural resources, right? Just let the environment rip! Jobs must be created! For Republicans who don't know what they're doing.
What a fiasco. Someone please save us!
PS: Milwaukee's Sherriff David Clarke just resigned. Lucky federal agency that will probably be getting him. Hope it has nothing to do with nuclear in the name or responsibility. Stay tuned.
No matter. Just send Perry over to be Energy Secretary, whoops.
And send Cathy Stepp from Wisconsin to the Environmental Protection Agency. Have fun with that one folks. Cathy Stepp was appointed to head the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by Trump Republican pal Governor Scott Walker. It has been a disaster.
Cathy Stepp does not even have a college degree - of any kind. But who needs an education when you're a Republican in charge of things like our environment and natural resources, right? Just let the environment rip! Jobs must be created! For Republicans who don't know what they're doing.
What a fiasco. Someone please save us!
PS: Milwaukee's Sherriff David Clarke just resigned. Lucky federal agency that will probably be getting him. Hope it has nothing to do with nuclear in the name or responsibility. Stay tuned.
87
I'm confused. First they were called explosions, then they were called fires, now its blasts? Plus every official I've heard interviewed in TX says there's nothing to worry about. All these plants have plenty of backups and there really isn't a threat to the environment.
Also found it interesting that when watching local coverage as the storm was making first landfall, a meteorologist brought up contamination and they cut his mic.
Also found it interesting that when watching local coverage as the storm was making first landfall, a meteorologist brought up contamination and they cut his mic.
28
Explosion and blast are synonymous.
After the blast there is a fire.
Every official interviewed doesn't have to inhale the smoke. The Arkema rep said it would be like inhaling the smoke while standing over a campfire. Not something a rational human being would do.
After the blast there is a fire.
Every official interviewed doesn't have to inhale the smoke. The Arkema rep said it would be like inhaling the smoke while standing over a campfire. Not something a rational human being would do.
4
Contamination is a given with floods and covers A-Z toxins, chemicals, biologics, and more than a few kitchen sinks (pun intended). Waste water treatment plants have been inundated/flooded, livestock waste holding "ponds" flooded, gasoline/oil tanks flooded, and the list keeps going on. There is also no really good way to know what all is floating around you in a flood. To say that there is contamination in flood waters is like saying KFC serves fried chicken.
There were explosions, then fires, and the fires very well could be enabling additional blasts.
There were explosions, then fires, and the fires very well could be enabling additional blasts.
3
On one side there is the greed, obliviousness, denial and misinformation of another corporation determined to pollute at any cost. On the other side are human beings, death, disease, side-effects and poverty. It is the Enron theory of business.
45
The greedy and oblivious are also humans, but their wealth insulates them from the disaster. If any petrochemical CEO was actually near his/her plant, they surely got on their private jet and went to Hawaii for a vacation last week.
2
So de-regulation is not all the Republicans say it is from a safety standpoint or job creation. One would think that after the de-regulation of the financial industry facilitating the 2006 recession, conservatives would have gotten the message. Of course toxic chemicals are a completely different matter and can impact the environment in ways that are more dangerous than a foreclosure but the signal is still clear. Oversight in just about every industry is a good thing for the nation' overall well being.
Corporate entities need to have a clearer understanding that although profit is of course the ultimate goal, it can't be at the expense of the health safety or financial security of the country's citizens. This is just common sense. Moreover, profit from de-regulation rarely finds it's way to those who need it the most. It simply stays in the corporate bank accounts off shore and is NOT re-invested in infrastructure or the local communities that wait in vain for promised jobs.
America needs to wake up and smell the coffee, or in this case the toxic air and fight the unchecked de-regulation embraced by those who can only consider profit and have no regard for the environment, financial security and overall well being of the nation.
Look into the League of Conservation Voters and read their material. They're a good organization that actually cares about the very things this article addresses.
Corporate entities need to have a clearer understanding that although profit is of course the ultimate goal, it can't be at the expense of the health safety or financial security of the country's citizens. This is just common sense. Moreover, profit from de-regulation rarely finds it's way to those who need it the most. It simply stays in the corporate bank accounts off shore and is NOT re-invested in infrastructure or the local communities that wait in vain for promised jobs.
America needs to wake up and smell the coffee, or in this case the toxic air and fight the unchecked de-regulation embraced by those who can only consider profit and have no regard for the environment, financial security and overall well being of the nation.
Look into the League of Conservation Voters and read their material. They're a good organization that actually cares about the very things this article addresses.
38
Chemical plants built on low lands. A state and now federal government that roll back sensible and safe regulations. An EPA and state government that even this morning denies climate change. The flood waters running through Texas are polluted. The chemical and petroleum companies will receive more than their fair share of upcoming flood funds and the people who have small voices and no homes will be shortchanged, no doubt. Just watch. This state is the proof of things to come under trump and governors who think like abbott.
71
Why is the NYT not reporting on the amount of $ and to which Texas republicans Arkema has bribed via lobbying groups to delay or block implementation of Obama era EPA regulations? Let's not forget they have also blocked the public's right to know what Arkema is producing and how it might impact the public's health if it is released into the environment.
70
Plenty of money to lobby for companies avoiding costly regulations but no money to lobby for the victims avoiding costly health issues from them.
31
Texans have Rick Perry and Gregg Abbott to thank. No restrictions on corporations or businesses. Let them all pollute. Let's not forget that this is Donald Trump's motto also. Dont put environmental restrictions on businesses! He picked Perry as the EPA head and directed he dismantle it. Horrible people.
35
I read that, "The EPA said that airborne measurements taken at the scene Thursday showed no immediate health threats." My automatic thought process was, "Do I trust the Trump EPA to be telling the truth? Probably -- they haven't had time to oust most of the trustworthy frontline employees yet."
15
The trustworthy employees may not be ousted yet, but their voices are probably not getting out. We cannot trust this administration at all except for profits at all cost. An oxymoron for sure.
3
Regulations, we don't need no stinking regulations...until we do.
19
Politics to one side, industrial civilization has been built on chemicals. Many are dangerous and others are not. Regulation and mitigation of risks are needed. However, chemical plants have to be located somewhere (and will be) as long as people demand pharmaceuticals, plastics, etc. As far as "Damaged Plant Is One of the Most Hazardous in Texas", I almost fell out of chair when I read that. (I live in Houston and have worked -- much younger -- in a chemical plant in New Jersey, now a Superfund site). If you think this site was 'one of the most hazardous' you've been drinking. There are hundreds that are many times more dangerous. Is it smart for folks to live nearby? Nope. Do they? Yes. But (1) short of going back to the 1700s, modern civilization is stuck with them, (2) y'all don't want them in your back yards, so they're here, far from most of you, and (3) exaggerated headlines don't fix a dang thing and hurt the credibility of The New York Times (which I've always read and respected). Time for folks to chill if we're going to work together to minimize risks. Yelling and pointing fingers might make y'all feel good, but it isn't going to do a dang thing to get problems (and there are plenty!) fixed.
10
Despite your comments about other plant sites you say are worse, there is no excuse for building a chemical plant in a floodplain and close to housing. This one is owned by a French company. Wonder why they didn't build it in France. Environmental regulations vs no regulation?
4
My father and I both worked in the chemical industry here on the Ship Channel for a combined six decades. I'm not defending everything they've done but this is the best comment I've seen yet. We can't go back to being hunter/gatherers.
HKS Hunter gatherers?
I mean, really, what a trite straw man comment.
Nobody here is saying anything at all about doing without chemicals or chemical plants! They're saying you need proper regulation & the sense either to not build them in a flood-prone residential area like this, or else to take really serious, thorough precautions.
Which chemical companies don't want to bother with & pay for & which conservatives like you don't want them to have to bother with or pay for. Just let people burn & die now & then. Otherwise we'll all have to be hunter-gatherers!
Sheesh. The dishonesty, it burns.
I mean, really, what a trite straw man comment.
Nobody here is saying anything at all about doing without chemicals or chemical plants! They're saying you need proper regulation & the sense either to not build them in a flood-prone residential area like this, or else to take really serious, thorough precautions.
Which chemical companies don't want to bother with & pay for & which conservatives like you don't want them to have to bother with or pay for. Just let people burn & die now & then. Otherwise we'll all have to be hunter-gatherers!
Sheesh. The dishonesty, it burns.
1
Perhaps it is worth thinking twice from a "drain the swamp" policy perspective of the grave consequences to health, safety and human welfare if we defund the EPA and disable the organization from delivering on its key mandate: protecting the environment so that future generations are not saddled with the enduring sins of carbon heavy regulation light energy policy.
126
Thank God for Scott Pruitt and the EPA. Now first responders know exactly what dangerous chemicals they are dealing with.
30
Louie, I thought the same thing - those precedents set by C. T. Whitman when she very quickly decided the 9/11 site was safe for rescuers and demolition workers will come in handy these first few weeks after the non-explosion (rather, "chemical reactions") at Arkema.
6
Natural and man made disasters will continue with climate change more frequently and with more intensity and our spineless greedy republican leadership roles back EPA, Clean Water regulations and reduces the budgets of FEMA and EPA. Nice work!
104
"...fertilizer plant in Texas City, Tex., that killed 15 people in 2013."
The disaster in Texas City happened in 1947. The explosion in 2013 was in West, TX.
The disaster in Texas City happened in 1947. The explosion in 2013 was in West, TX.
34
Correct re the West disaster. Another Texas City explosion occurred more recently in 2005 when a BP refinery blew up, killing 15 and injuring 180.
Yes, Texas proudly fights virtually all safety and environmental regulations (as well as federal disaster relief for other parts of the nation).
Yes, Texas proudly fights virtually all safety and environmental regulations (as well as federal disaster relief for other parts of the nation).
26
In Texas City, they had an explosion at the BP plant in 2005 that killed 15 people.
I was in town that day and heard it. I was a couple of miles away but it sounded like the end of the world. A dude a mile from the plant was stopped at a red light and was violently rocketed into the intersection. He thought he had been rear ended.
The 2005 explosion was triggered by a group of non-union contractors brought in from North Dakota to provide maintenance on a cracker. They were not qualified to perform the work but they were low bid! They were re-starting a cracker when KABOOM!
Witnesses said they got a bad feeling when fluid started pouring out of an exhaust pipe.
They tried to save money but ended up losing billions. No one ever accused the BP boys of being the sharpest tools in the shed.
I was in town that day and heard it. I was a couple of miles away but it sounded like the end of the world. A dude a mile from the plant was stopped at a red light and was violently rocketed into the intersection. He thought he had been rear ended.
The 2005 explosion was triggered by a group of non-union contractors brought in from North Dakota to provide maintenance on a cracker. They were not qualified to perform the work but they were low bid! They were re-starting a cracker when KABOOM!
Witnesses said they got a bad feeling when fluid started pouring out of an exhaust pipe.
They tried to save money but ended up losing billions. No one ever accused the BP boys of being the sharpest tools in the shed.
It must be nice to live in Republican fantasy-land, where regulations are for dolts who are too stupid to avoid them, paying taxes for essential services is for suckers who are too dumb to work around it, and cutting taxes on rich corporations and individuals raises more revenue.
278
Right, so the big blue state economic engines wind up paying for them....great, we can do that and want to, we are in this country together....too bad the red states don't see things like too, only when they need help...but we are all Americans, something the red states seem to forget at times.
2
Donald John Trump was born and bred in New York City and is now rarely living mighty nice high and dry in the middle of Mid-Town Manhattan between stints at his resorts, hotels and golf courses while occasionally "slumming it" in a white elephant public housing project home in the District of Columbia.
1
Trump wants to protect big corporations and not the human beings who live in America and who Trump works for! Putting a maniac jerk in charge of EPA is just the beginning of the destruction of our air, water, and our people who live near or work at these dangerous plants. Trump does not care one whit about you people......he only cares about destroying all the safeguards that Pres. Obama tried to put into place to protect us from greedhead Capitalists who can only think in terms of money and only the present, not the future. Trump is the most dangerous enemy of the people, and definitely it is not the press! It is him. All good people must come to the aid of their country and run this ignorant egotist out of Washington.
141
Not quite accurate. The republicans in Congress work for the big corporations; Trump works for Trump (and does more work and better work than any human who has ever lived). Your characterization of Pruitt is just right though.
5
Let's hope that the NYT and others do thorough analyses of the support money to assist in reconstruction in Louisiana and Texas showing specifically where it goes.
2
Privatize the profits, socialize the risk. That's how market capitalism works in this country. Pruitt's EPA is working to dismantle what they call "the administrative state," which includes the regulatory framework built up over the past 50 years. So many lessons to be learned from Harvey.
309
The first sentence of your comment succinctly sums up the problem with the system. Rather like the old expression what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine.
3
Why do they need to store so much of this volatile stuff at the plant?
2
It's important to realize who actually pays for the risks and disasters: not the carried-interest hedge fund billionaires, but regular folk earning $50K a year.
5
No, we don't need any health and safety regulations. They just cut profits and, besides, no rich executives live in the vicinity or anyone else of importance. So, who cares if there's a problem.
169
Pesky regulations! Oh well, just declare bankruptcy. Problem solved. Chemical Plants are people too, ya know.
223
Yes, PJM. the International Mafia tactics are finally paying off for them in a big way.
1
The abject greed and irresponsibility of the chemical industry, their lobbyists, and the Congresspeople they pay to do nothing is never pleasant to watch.
With all these contaminants released, traumatized people will also face skin issues, breathing issues, psychological issues and it will make recovery that much harder. There is no trade secret worth the environmental damage and physical degradation that people are living with.
The lessons of unregulated growth and unregulated industry have to play a major role in making people's homes, towns, cities actually livable.
With all these contaminants released, traumatized people will also face skin issues, breathing issues, psychological issues and it will make recovery that much harder. There is no trade secret worth the environmental damage and physical degradation that people are living with.
The lessons of unregulated growth and unregulated industry have to play a major role in making people's homes, towns, cities actually livable.
175
Trump strayed in Washington to announce his decision to delay until Tuesday whether he will scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, to determine if 780,000 so called Dreamers will be allowed to stay in their country of birth, the USA.
Trump wanted to give "this very important issue" the time, effort, and attention that it deserves," according to Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
To me, this says it all about the Trump administration.