UPDATE:
An investigation by officials has determined that a rail car at Eagle Rail Site on Foreman Road is conducting a
controlled flaring operation, which is expected to continue for several more hours until completion. Air
monitoring is underway, and a determination on when to lift the current shelter-in-place order will be made after
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) completes their toxicology reporting.
Currently, West Orange, Bridge City, and Orangefield remain under shelter-in-place orders. Citizens are
advised to take precautions while driving and are outside in these areas. Orange County Emergency Management and local officials will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as they become available.
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As a precautionary measure a shelter in place has been issued due to an unknown chemical release in the areas for residents of West Orange, Bridge City and Orangefield, according to a statement from the Orange County Office of Emergency Management, at about 12:30 p.m. July 18.
To shelter in place – get inside, turn off air conditioning and try to block air from entering the room you are in and tune into local radio, television and social media for updates. Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. Emergency Management officials from several agencies are currently monitoring the situation and will release updates as soon as they have them.
Dow’s Sabine River Operations in Orange, released a statement that they are "actively working with local response agencies in investigating the source of an external odor."
According to Dow’s inspection, the odor is not from Dow. Non-essential employees have been evacuated as a precaution while the site remains under shelter in place.
The Orange County Office of Emergency Management also reported the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is actively investigating the air quality in the area. As of now, there is no mandatory shelter-in-place order for city of Orange residents. However, residents are encouraged to take any precautions they deem necessary for their safety and well-being.
The city of Orange Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the situation. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official communication channels for any changes or additional instructions.