CSB warns chemical facilities to prepare for hurricane season

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is warning chemical companies to prepare now for hurricane season to avoid dangerous chemical releases and major industrial accidents during severe storms.

The agency issued its warning June 2, one day after the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. While federal forecasters are predicting a below-normal season this year, CSB officials said facilities cannot afford to become complacent.

“Although the prediction is for a below-normal hurricane season, it only takes one bad storm hitting one unprepared facility to lead to a catastrophic chemical incident,” said Steve Owens, CSB Chairperson.

Preparation steps

The CSB said companies should focus on several key areas before major storms arrive, including:

• Secure hazardous materials
• Protect backup power systems
• Train workers on emergency procedures
• Coordinate emergency action plans (EAP) with local emergency officials

“Preparation is key to minimizing the effects of extreme weather on chemical facilities. Facilities must not let their guard down against these hazards, or the consequences may be dire,” said Sylvia Johnson, CSB Board Member.

The agency also encouraged facilities to review several investigation reports and safety videos - several of which are shown below - related to past hurricane-related chemical incidents, as well as planning guidance published by the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS).

The CSB said additional updates and resources will be posted on the agency’s website as hurricane season continues.

Past storms demonstrate real risks

The CSB pointed to several past disasters that exposed how vulnerable chemical facilities can be during hurricanes and other extreme weather events, especially when backup systems fail or hazardous materials are not properly protected.

Caught in the Storm: Extreme Weather Hazards at Arkema Chemical

One of the most well-known examples occured during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when flooding knocked out refrigeration systems and backup power at Arkema’s chemical facility in Crosby, Texas. Organic peroxides at the site decomposed and caught fire, sending smoke and chemical fumes into surrounding areas.

More than 200 nearby residents were evacuated and could not return home for a week. Twenty-one people sought medical attention after reporting exposure to the fumes and smoke.

Fire From the Storm: Chemical Release at Bio-Lab

The CSB also highlighted the Bio-Lab chemical fire in Westlake, Louisiana, during Hurricane Laura in 2020. Strong winds from the Category 4 storm damaged buildings and tore roofs from parts of the facility, allowing rainwater to contact more than 1 million pounds of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) stored onsite.

The resulting chemical reaction triggered a fire and released hazardous gases, including toxic chlorine. Part of Interstate 10 was shut down for more than 28 hours, and local officials issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Bio-Lab later spent $250 million to rebuild the facility.