The investigation into the environmental impact of the PBC chemical fire continues

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – State Rep. Brooks Landgraf provided another update to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality Saturday afternoon as the investigation into the effects of the fire from earlier this week continues.

Landgraf said in a post Saturday afternoon that regional staff with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality continued their investigation Saturday, including responding to complaints from residents who live near the site of the Permian Basin Containers fire northwest of Odessa.

The TCEQ detected a “chemical odor” at a drainage basin on the PBC site. The responsible party’s remediation contractor said he expects to be able to pump the drainage basin dry by the middle of next week, the commission said.

Complaints of hydrogen sulfide leaks from the site were investigated, but measurements from portable air monitors failed to detect any H2S originating from the PBC site.

When asked if groundwater could be contaminated by the stormwater, since most residents rely on their own wells for water, the TCEQ said it is working to get answers. Landgraf said he will meet with regional staff on site in the next few days, hopefully by Monday at the latest.

Rep. Landgraf also thanks the Odessa Fire Department, which continues to respond to fires as they arise, as well as the residents who have shared their stories and concerns about the situation.