TCEQ classifies chemical fire site as a ‘nuisance’: here’s what that means for the area

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – State Representative Brooks Landgraf provided an update on the aftermath to the chemical fire that occurred at the intersection of 81 ^st Street and West County Road last week.

Landgraf said that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regional staff conducted a follow-up investigation Saturday afternoon, focusing on the site’s impact to nearby residences.

The TCEQ classified the site as a nuisance, indicating that “an odor characterized as faint chemical smell” was detected in a downwind area from one of the residences, said Landgraf.

Handheld monitors are currently not detecting dangerous levels of chemicals in the air at the nearby residences. Standing water was also observed at one of the residences.

The classification of the site means that the TCEQ will be taking additional action, starting on Sunday, July 28, to monitor and remediate at and near the site, according to Landgraf.

“Hotspots” are still being detected at the site. The TCEQ is working closely with Odessa Fire Rescue to extinguish those hotspots when practical to do so.

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