DEEP DIVE: From Fires to Freezes, Intensifying Weather Presents Unique Challenges to the U.S. Chemical Industry

In August 2017, 205 residents of Crosby, Tex., were evacuated from their homes as an Arkema chemical plant along the highway burst into flames. The week-long fires at the plant were a result of heavy rain in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the most devastating hurricane in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina.

For over a week, flood waters rose in the facility, eventually shorting out the power supply. The loss of power resulted in the failure of the refrigeration system preserving temperature-sensitive organic peroxides. As they warmed up, they combusted.

According to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation report, although the Crosby Arkema facility took some precautions in preparation for Hurricane Harvey, the rainfall exceeded expectations. Although the plant is in an area prone to flooding, no one expected the severity of flooding that took place; more than two times the predicted amount. “Employees with decades of plant experience expected there to be light flooding at the facility, but not enough to impact any safety systems,” reported the CSB.

The 2017 Arkema explosion is an example of how a chemical facility was unprepared for the unprecedented severity of an anticipated natural disaster, putting workers, and the surrounding community, at risk.