Blue Tide Environmental

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On January 29, 2025, EPA Region 6 was notified by EPA’s technical assistance contractor, START, of a fire and explosion at the Blue Tide Environmental facility in Baytown, Chambers County, Texas. START observed a flare from the Blue Tide Environmental facility, the potentially responsible party (PRP), while performing work at an adjacent property. Subsequently, START observed personnel evacuating the facility and initiating a safety stand-down.  

Blue Tide Environmental indicated that the explosion was caused by a repressurized hydrogen line, which ignited and triggered the flare. On the evening of January 28, 2025, the facility was purging the hydrogen line with nitrogen before taking it out of service for cleaning. On the morning of January 29, 2025, the hydrogen line was brought back into service without first removing the nitrogen line. As a result, hydrogen mixed with the remaining nitrogen repressurized and ignited, causing the large flare.   

EPA responded to assess the situation, coordinate with the PRP on response actions, and determine if additional resources are required.  

There are no reported injuries associated with this incident.  

EPA conducted perimeter air monitoring for benzene using the Drager XPID 9500. The detection limit for benzene is 0.05 parts per million (ppm) to assess whether the facility handles additional chemicals, given its operation as a used motor oil recycling facility. The action level for benzene was 0.5 ppm for this incident. The values are designed to protect the elderly and children, and other individuals who may be susceptible to the chemicals. The action level is set at a level where adverse health effects are not expected to occur for most individuals, however, elevated concentrations could cause notable discomfort and irritation.  

Additionally, a MultiRAE Pro 4-gas meter was used to monitor for oxygen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide, and lower explosive limit (LEL). The detection limit for VOCs is 0.1 ppm for VOCs and the action level for VOCs was 1 ppm. The action level of LEL was 10 percent (%). The Drager XAM-8000 was used for additional air monitoring for VOCs, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and LEL.   

To explore the map and data points, use the “+” at the bottom right of the map to zoom in or the “-“ to zoom out. The map and data table below shows the EPA community air monitoring results.