Houston Matters
Findings from ITC fire investigation (July 10, 2023)
Posted on · On Monday's show: We examine the findings from an investigation of the fire that burned for three days at the ITC chemical storage facility in Deer Park in 2019.
Tag: ITC fire
Energy & Environment
2019 fire at ITC’s Deer Park facility could have been prevented by company, federal agency finds
Posted on · The petrochemical fire near Houston burned for three days and released hazardous chemicals into the air and nearby waterways.
Houston Matters
Chemical plant safety concerns (May 15, 2023)
Posted on · On Monday's show: Does public input make any difference on whether a chemical plant receives a new permit to operate, especially ones where major fires or other safety issues have occurred?
Houston Matters
Was the 2019 ITC chemical plant fire in Deer Park worse than we thought?
Posted on · New analysis from the Texas Tribune found that benzene lingered in the air far longer than initially reported.
Houston Matters
State and federal environmental agencies in conflict over renewal permits for ITC (July 20, 2022)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: The company responsible for a major chemical fire in 2019 is seeking an operating permit for a Pasadena facility. We learn why the state and the federal government have different opinions on the matter.
Energy & Environment
Employees and lawmakers worry the planned closure of EPA’s Houston lab could dampen emergency response in the Gulf Coast
Posted on · Plans to relocate the lab continue to move forward, but some employees are hoping the Biden administration will halt the move, given its commitment to environmental justice and Houston's strategic position along the Gulf Coast.
The ITC Chemical Fire
2 Years After Disastrous Deer Park Chemical Fire, Texas Close To Creating New Safety Rules For Industry
Posted on · Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, spent years negotiating with industry groups to get new regulations placed on the chemical industry after the ITC fire in 2019. The bill has passed both chambers, but small changes need to be ironed out before it is sent to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Podcasts
Fire Triangle Ep. 2: Shelter In Place
Posted on · In the wake of the Intercontinental Terminals Company fire in Deer Park, some residents asked themselves: what is the state of Texas doing to keep us safe?
Houston Matters
Why Chemical Disasters Keep Happening In Texas (Jan. 28, 2021)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: An investigative series called Fire Triangle explores why chemical disasters keep happening in Texas and what's being done to prevent them.
Energy & Environment
Report: Unauthorized Air Pollution In Texas Has More Than Doubled Since 2015
Posted on · In 2019, industrial facilities in the Houston area alone emitted more than 23 million pounds of air pollutants beyond what they’re permitted for, according to a new report.
Houston Matters
Tuesday’s Show: Restaurants And COVID-19, And Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (March 17, 2020)
Posted on · On Tuesday's Houston Matters: Why many local restaurants are staying open amid COVID-19, lessons from the ITC Deer Park chemical fire one year ago, a conversation with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, and answers to your allergy questions.
Energy & Environment
I Spent A Month Trying To Find Out What Chemicals Are Stored Near My Home. I Still Don’t Know
Posted on · Kirk McDaniel wanted to find out what kind of chemicals were being stored near his Deer Park home. What came next was a circuitous, month-long process that wielded few results.
Energy & Environment
Harris County To Get $1M Grant For Air Monitors
Posted on · The American Chemistry Council Foundation and the East Harris County Manufacturers Association are providing the grant, in response to last March’s ITC chemical fire.
Houston Matters
Friday’s Show: Former Amb. Susan Rice, And Fashion Designer Isaac Mizrahi (Nov. 1, 2019)
Posted on · On Friday's Houston Matters: A preliminary report on the ITC fire. Former Ambassador Susan Rice talks about her career in foreign affairs. We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week's news. And a conversation with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi.
News
Saudi Arabia’s Oil Fires Were Extinguished Within Hours, So Why Did It Take So Long In Deer Park?
Posted on · The ITC chemical fire in March sent a big black plume over Houston for days.