The Risks of Chemical Sites Flooding in the Future
According to a New York Times analysis of federal floodplain and industrial data, more than 2,500 sites that handle toxic chemicals are anchored in flood-prone areas across the country. Around 1,400 of those sites are in areas at a high risk of flooding. An exhaustive scientific report by the federal government in 2017 warned that flooding nationwide is only likely to worsen due to a warming climate. Therefore, there's also a higher risk of toxic spills caused by flooding of these chemical sites.
The National Response Center, run by the Coast Guard, has a database of oil and chemical spills that have been reported, as required by law, by companies. With this data, we can get some type of idea of the thousands of spills that occur across the country each year.
Coastal Areas
Last year, Hurricane Harvey caused a toxic spill in Baytown, Texas. The flood waters caused by the hurricane swamped a chemical plant, which released highly toxic sodium hydroxide and benzene. This plant was one of the many that filled the region's streets with chemicals, debris and waste in the days after Hurricane Harvey hit. This particular site lies in a moderate-risk flood zone. However, it was at least the third time in just 3 years that the facility blamed heavy downpours for chemical leaks.
In Florida, flooding affects areas across the state each rainy season. In 2012, torrential downpours triggered a release of phosphoric acid from a fertilizer plant in White Springs. Released in large quantities, phosphates and phosphoric acid can cause uncontrolled algae and duckweed growth. In turn, this causes the oxygen levels in lakes and rivers to drop precipitously. While the plant had prepared for the storm by lowering the water levels at the ponds, the flooding ended up being much more than expected.
These toxic spills just emphasize the vulnerability of America's coastal industries to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Inland Areas
These flood risks are not confined to coastal areas, however, or the areas that the government considers "flood-prone." In May, record-breaking rains brought flooding to Alabama, inundating storage ponds at a plastics plant on the banks of the Alabama River. The flooding caused 4,500 pounds of sodium hydroxide to escape into a tributary. This plant is not on land considered flood-prone, but this wasn't the first time it flooded. Back in 2011, a flood at the same plant caused 125 gallons of tetrachloroethylene, a carcinogen that can affect the nervous system, to be released. These incidents show how floodplain designations may be increasingly outdated as rains intensify and weather patterns change.
Companies need to start thinking carefully about these flood risks. Now's the time to come up with a plan on preventing future toxic chemical spills. Big Bags USA® flood barriers are a great on-hand solution to protect chemical plants from rising floodwaters. The barriers can be arranged at 90 degree angles to create a perimeter around the facility. Learn more about our barrier systems by visiting our website at www.BigBagsUSA.com.
Toxic Spills Each Year
The National Response Center, run by the Coast Guard, has a database of oil and chemical spills that have been reported, as required by law, by companies. With this data, we can get some type of idea of the thousands of spills that occur across the country each year.
Coastal Areas
Last year, Hurricane Harvey caused a toxic spill in Baytown, Texas. The flood waters caused by the hurricane swamped a chemical plant, which released highly toxic sodium hydroxide and benzene. This plant was one of the many that filled the region's streets with chemicals, debris and waste in the days after Hurricane Harvey hit. This particular site lies in a moderate-risk flood zone. However, it was at least the third time in just 3 years that the facility blamed heavy downpours for chemical leaks.
In Florida, flooding affects areas across the state each rainy season. In 2012, torrential downpours triggered a release of phosphoric acid from a fertilizer plant in White Springs. Released in large quantities, phosphates and phosphoric acid can cause uncontrolled algae and duckweed growth. In turn, this causes the oxygen levels in lakes and rivers to drop precipitously. While the plant had prepared for the storm by lowering the water levels at the ponds, the flooding ended up being much more than expected.
These toxic spills just emphasize the vulnerability of America's coastal industries to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
These flood risks are not confined to coastal areas, however, or the areas that the government considers "flood-prone." In May, record-breaking rains brought flooding to Alabama, inundating storage ponds at a plastics plant on the banks of the Alabama River. The flooding caused 4,500 pounds of sodium hydroxide to escape into a tributary. This plant is not on land considered flood-prone, but this wasn't the first time it flooded. Back in 2011, a flood at the same plant caused 125 gallons of tetrachloroethylene, a carcinogen that can affect the nervous system, to be released. These incidents show how floodplain designations may be increasingly outdated as rains intensify and weather patterns change.
Companies need to start thinking carefully about these flood risks. Now's the time to come up with a plan on preventing future toxic chemical spills. Big Bags USA® flood barriers are a great on-hand solution to protect chemical plants from rising floodwaters. The barriers can be arranged at 90 degree angles to create a perimeter around the facility. Learn more about our barrier systems by visiting our website at www.BigBagsUSA.com.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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