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TPC Group fined $30 million over 2019 Texas blasts that caused evacuations

TPC Group pleaded guilty to a Clean Air Act infraction and was fined more than $30 million over blasts at its Port Neches petrochemical plant in Texas that triggered countless people to be evacuated in 2019, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.

The company's 218-acre plant made flammable petrochemicals like butadiene and butane that are used in the manufacture of plastics, tires and fuel. It is now only in usage for storage functions.

The facility saw two explosions which launched more than 11 million pounds of hazardous substances, causing over $130. million in offsite residential or commercial property damage. The fires were put out after. burning for 6 days.

The Houston-based company in 2022 applied for bankruptcy. protection after struggling under expenses and legal claims from. the fire.

TPC Group has actually likewise consented to invest around $80 million to. enhance its danger management program and improve security issues at. that Port Neches website and another in Houston, the statement. included.

It will likewise pay $12.1 million in civil penalty. payments through bankruptcy proceedings.

(source: Reuters)