Jury Indicts Arkema For Chemical Release After Harvey
Aug. 7, 2018
A Texas jury charges Arkema North America and top officials with “recklessly” releasing chemicals amid Harvey flooding last year.
As Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters rose last year, refrigerated containers holding thousands of pounds of chemicals at Arkema’s Houston-area plant lost power and eventually degraded – sending plumes of black smoke into the air. On Friday, a Texas jury handed down a series of indictments charging the company and top officials with “recklessly” releasing chemicals, endangering first responders and residents, according to an article from The Texas Tribune. The indictments reportedly name Arkema North America CEO Richard Rowe and Plant Manager Leslie Comardelle.
Since the storm, lawsuits have piled up, according to the article, alleging that Arkema was negligent and failed to prepare for the flooding. A Chemical Safety Board inspection also found the company ill-prepared for the disaster. Arkema spokesperson Janet Smith reportedly called the charges “astonishing.”
Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.
Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...
See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.
