NEDERLAND, Texas — The mineral oil blend leak that closed Beauxart Garden Road in Nederland has been contained, according to a City of Nederland press release.
The transport trailer leak was first reported on Sunday but began Saturday afternoon. Beauxart Garden Road near Highway 69 remains closed.
The leaking product, known as Lubrizol 1389, is producing a low level of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to the release. Lubrizol 1389 is a mineral oil blend used as a lubricant additive.
Hydrogen sulfide gas is a colorless gas known for its “rotten egg” odor, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The gas is extremely flammable and highly toxic.
The leak was located by a pressure release device on the trailer. As of Tuesday evening, all leaks have been contained.
Emergency crews are controlling the vapor with the use of environmental scrubbers and canisters. Air monitoring is currently ongoing.
Operations advanced to the next phase Tuesday morning. Significant progress has occurred on securing the trailer. At the end of the operation, the trailer will be removed from Nederland Tank Wash, the owner of the tanker truck.
Once removed, the trailer will be brought to a wash site for odor removal.
Intensity and location of the odor coming from the vapors will vary throughout Tuesday as winds speeds and direction change. Those suffering from the smell are encouraged to use Febreze, non-match light charcoal and vinegar to reduce the odor in homes, vehicles, and businesses.
City officials said the amount of time it will take to clear this incident is currently unknown and could possibly last for several more days.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area, and nearby residents are asked to stay inside their homes as much as possible.
The City of Nederland asked Nederland Tank Wash to set up a special citizen helpline where residents can call and receive updates about the cleanup. The helpline phone umber is (888) 442-4206.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a City of Nederland release:
Emergency response crews are still on scene monitoring a leaking transport trailer at the Nederland Tank Wash. The product is a mineral oil blend, known as Lubrizol 1389 that is used as a lubricant additive. The product is producing low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. Emergency crews are controlling the vapor with the use of environmental scrubbing cannisters, and air monitoring is ongoing around the clock. This morning, the operation progressed to the next phase, and significant progress has occurred on securing the trailer. All leaks have been contained. The end of the operation would result in the trailer being removed from Nederland Tank Wash; after it is removed, it will be necessary to remediate the Tank Wash site for odor removal. Beauxart Garden Road remains closed to traffic. Because the health and safety of our residents is our highest priority, the City of Nederland asked Nederland Tank Wash to set up a special citizen helpline that residents will be able to call for updates about the cleanup of that company’s container truck. The helpline phone number is (888) 442-4206 and will be operational beginning at 12PM today. The intensity and location of the odor will vary throughout the day as wind speeds and direction change. Febreze, non-match light charcoal and vinegar are recommended approaches to mitigating the odor in your home, vehicle, or business. The operational period for this incident is still unknown and may last for a few more days.