Sat Dec 27 21:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A sulfuric acid leak occurred at the BWC Terminals facility near the Houston Ship Channel early Saturday morning after a catwalk collapsed and damaged a sulfuric acid line, causing it to leak about 1 million gallons of acid. The majority of the acid was released into a designated containment area, but an unknown amount leaked into the Houston Ship Channel. Two people were hospitalized for respiratory issues and released. Forty-four people were evaluated at the scene as precaution. Air monitoring shows no threat to the community. While the leak has been contained, an investigation is underway by multiple agencies including the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, TCEQ, and Harris County Fire Marshal’s and Sheriff’s Offices. The Houston Ship Channel remains open with minor impacts.
News Article:
Sulfuric Acid Leak at Houston Ship Channel Facility Sends Two to Hospital
CHANNELVIEW, Texas – A sulfuric acid leak at the BWC Terminals facility near the Houston Ship Channel sent two people to the hospital early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. along Jacintoport Boulevard in the Channelview area.
According to Harris County officials, a catwalk structure collapsed, damaging a sulfuric acid line and causing an estimated 1 million gallons of the chemical to leak. While the majority of the acid was contained within a designated area, an unknown amount did escape into the Houston Ship Channel.
Forty-four people were evaluated on-site, and two individuals were transported to a local hospital with respiratory issues as a precaution. Both have since been released.
“I’m grateful to the first responders who acted quickly to contain the sulfuric acid leak,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in a statement. “Federal, state, and local agencies… worked together seamlessly to respond.”
BWC Terminals stated that emergency response teams and regulatory authorities remain on site. Air monitoring is ongoing, and officials claim there is no immediate threat to the surrounding community. Early indications are that the Houston Ship Channel remains open with minor impacts.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been notified, and an investigation into the cause of the leak is underway. The facility will be closed until further notice. Authorities, including the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, TCEQ, and Harris County Fire Marshal’s and Sheriff’s Offices, assured the public of transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.
BWC Terminals emphasizes that the safety of its employees, local communities, and the environment is its top priority.
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