Update 8:17 p.m.: Press release from Galveston County indicates that although the gasoline smell in League City is intense and strong, there are no harmful particles in the air and monitoring shows no concern for public health at this time. However, those with health issues should stay inside and particularly avoid the coastline.
UPDATE 7:41 p.m. Mobile air monitors have been placed around the area they have detected NO levels of the chemicals in the air. The smell is strong but there is NO current threat to public health and NO shelter in place. Air levels will continue to be monitored this evening and overnight.
League City and the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management
are monitoring air quality in and around the City after a ship collided with two
barges in the Houston Ship Channel releasing
thousands of barrels of gasoline product into the water.
The crash happened around 3:15 p.m. on Friday, May 10, just
east of Barbours cut. Both barges were carrying about 25,000 barrels of reformate,
which is refined chemical product that is blended with gasoline to boost octane
levels.
Residents may notice a “gasoline” smell in the air. Air quality reports are being monitored and at this time, residents do NOT need to take any action and no health risks are indicated.