BEAUMONT, Texas — The shelter-in-place order issued for Jefferson County residents near LaBelle Road has been lifted as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Jefferson County Emergency Services District No. 4.
At approximately 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, a report of a pipeline vapor release was reported by a third party near the Chevron Phillips Chemical right of way on Labelle Road in Beaumont.
Upon receiving the initial report of the release, Chevron Pipe Line Company closed off the affected section of the pipeline and initiated its emergency response procedures to minimize any impacts.
Since the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, normal traffic can resume on Labelle Road.
The order was in effect for a one-mile radius in the area of the 13000 block of LaBelle Road, between Highway 365 and the intersection of Burrell Wingate Road.
"We're still confirming right now what the product is, and I can't confirm exactly what it is but based upon the possibilities and product, they recommended that we possibly have a local close area shelter-in-place order issued just out of an abundance of caution for the people in the community," Fire Chief Jeremy Hansen told 12News.
They found a pipeline rise that may have been leaking and they called the pipeline operator.
The initial shelter-in-place was in a zone of approximately 100-yards, but officials expanded it since the leak happened at night.
"Anybody that lives in the immediate area doesn't have to worry; there's not anything hazardous right outside your door right now," Hansen said.
The Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement urging drivers to use an alternate route as crews work to clean up the leak. Hansen said the fire department is working with Chevron Phillips as remediation efforts continue.
"Again, we only issued this just set up an abundance of caution because we know how quickly things can unfold," Hansen said.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
From a DPS news release...
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently on scene of a haz-mat leak at Chevron located at 13159 FM 365. It is reported that there is a vapor cloud extending over the roadway from Farm-to-Market Road 365 to Garner Street on La Belle Road. The roadway is currently blocked, motorists should use an alternate route.
A representative from Chevron is on scene and actively attempting to locate and stop the leak.
Chevron will be sending out additional information regarding this leak.
No additional information at this time.
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