Earlier today (Sunday, June 26, 2016), monitors indicated a pressure build-up in a wellhead at our pipeline storage facility in Mont Belvieu off Highway 146. This well stores light hydrocarbons that are used in the manufacture of products such as rubber and tires. We are currently working to reduce the pressure. All employees have been accounted for and there were no injuries. Air monitoring shows no offsite impact.
We are working closely with local authorities and other area facilities to ensure continued safety of the public. We understand also that the City of Mont Belvieu has ordered evacuation of the immediate area. As a precautionary measure, of portions Highway 146 have been closed.
We also understand that there was a fire at the Lone Star facility in the area. This is not on LyondellBasell/Equistar property, and we understand that the fire is out and currently under investigation. The cause is unknown at this time.
Our Mont Belvieu Storage Facility is one of two storage locations operated by LyondellBasell’s pipeline group in the Texas Gulf Coast region.
The 42-acre facility uses caverns in underground salt domes to store various feedstocks and refined products and distributes them via pipeline to other company facilities and several customers in the region.
Faye Justice Eson
Senior Manager, Global External Communications
LyondellBasell