It’s still not known what caused last month’s tank explosion that injured six workers at a Westlake Chemical plant in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first disturbing incident involving one of Westlake’s facilities, which according to the Sierra Club, also have a long history of pollution events impacting Southwestern Louisiana.
Ethylene Dichloride Tank Exploded at Westlake Chemical South Plant
The January 26th explosion at Westlake’s south plant erupted shortly before 11:00 a.m., shaking homes miles away and prompting authorities to briefly order nearby schools and industries to shelter in place.
Two of the injured workers were taken to Oschner Christus St. Patrick Hospital, while three were transferred to Lake Charles Memorial. The sixth worker was treated on site.
While the cause of the explosion remains a mystery, officials have confirmed that the tank contained ethylene dichloride, a chemical that can harm the human nervous system, liver, and kidneys. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it can also cause breathing and heart problems, nausea, and vomiting if inhaled.
Westlake’s Louisiana Plants Have History of Pollution, Explosions, and Fires
According to the Sierra Club, Westlake Chemical’s south plant abuts residential areas, including FEMA housing for people still recovering from 2020’s Hurricanes Laura and Delta. In the past, residents have reported odors and fumes coming from Westlake and air and noise pollution from massive flares.
In 1994, the release of ethylene dichloride and other chlorocarbons from Westlake Chemical – then PPG Industries – resulted in seafood consumption, fishing, and recreation advisories for the Calcasieu River that remain in place to this day. Most recently, a ProPublica investigation revealed that the Westlake area has a cancer risk that is 8.5 times the EPA’s acceptable risk level.
Last month’s explosion was also the company’s third serious incident in Southwest Louisiana since last June. In September 2021, a flash fire erupted during a maintenance turnaround at Westlake Chemical’s Petro Complex 2 Unit, also in Sulphur. Six contractors were hospitalized, including one man who suffered severe burns over 50% of his body.
In June 2021, another fire broke out at the Westlake Petro 1 Unit. Fortunately, no one was hurt during that incident.
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