I figured it was time to have a single thread for all the chemical plant explosions, leaks, and toxins spewing around the Houston area.
I do, believe me. At least this one isn't one of the usual repeat offenders who gets by with nothing more than a wrist slap time after time.
Many years ago, the chemical company my mom worked for had an explosion and she was telling me about all the lawsuits that came in the aftermath. They were just settling with people left and right. The one that she thought was ridiculous though was a woman who said her dog wouldn't bark anymore after the explosion. But they settled with her too. Just reminiscing -- carry on.
Shell is a perfect example of a chemical company that does not prioritize investments in plant safety and protections for the local community and environment. They've had over 1,946 environmental violations over the past decade, according to state records. Of the 1,946 total violations, 81 were type A, the most serious. Another 853 were type B, and another 1,012 were type C. They are notorious for polluting the air and water around Houston. Oil and gas industry rewards US lawmakers who oppose environmental protections, and legislators proved that they’re willing to vote against the environment consistently to reap those rewards. The Texas GOP is a prime example. A couple years ago they posted an article saying the 367-mile Texas Gulf Coast is home to six of the nation’s most prolific polluters of benzene, an invisible, deadly gas that elevates cancer rates. https://www.texasobserver.org/benzene-oil-refineries-texas-coast/ I don't know the level now, but I've been outside several days the past month when the air reeked strongly of chemical pollution, and I'm out near Pearland.
Took my first breath where the muddy Brazos Spills into the Gulf of Mexico With a skyline that's colored by chemical plants To put bread on the table of the working man Where the working man does his best to provide Safety and shelter for kids and a wife Giving a little of his soul everyday Making overtime to keep the wolves away I was barely thirteen when the company man Tried to dig my daddy's grave It happened on a French owned tanker ship Spilling poison in the Galveston Bay Well, the liquid fire filled his lungs and his eyes Silenced any mortal cries Cold in the grip of death's stinging pain He fought like hell to keep the wolves away For the next few years, dad was sick as a dog But he made a recovery just to spite the odds The settlement came and we moved out of town Where the sky isn't heavy with refinery clouds Yeah, he's still alive, he's doing good, he's in his 50s But the money's running out and he's pinching for pennies So I'm going for broke with every song I play 'Cause now it's my turn to keep the wolves away
Once again, more toxic chemicals spewing around from local refineries. TEXAS CITY, Texas — The City of Texas City has issued a shelter-in-place order for the area south of the Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery to the Texas City Y because of a "temporary increase in sulfur dioxide emissions." The city asked that people avoid driving in the area. If you are in the impacted area, the city said to stay inside and close all doors and windows. They also said to turn off your heat or A/C until further notice.
This is why every kid in Texas City grows up dreaming that one day they'll be rich enough to move to League City.
