Preparing for a press conference with Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick and TCP Director of Heath, Safety and Security Troy Monk. I’ll be referring to these people with last names in this thread. 
And we’re off starting with Branick.
He says the evacuation order came after consulting with the mayors of Port Neches and Groves. Air quality monitoring has been going on “around the clock” and will continue that way.
Air quality is within state and federal guidelines and there is “no danger” to the public as a result of the plume “thus far.” Should that change, the public will be notified.
He said if there is an air quality issue, the CDC likely will be brought in to educate residents about hazards.
The Red Cross has opened a new shelter at Ford Park.
“I can assure you at our meetings the safety of the community remains foremost...”
Branick doesn’t know the length of the evacuation. The power outage during the initial explosion means the county can’t do burn rate calculations to get a timeline.
“We’ll do our best, our very best, to return you to your homes as quickly as we can in a safe manner.”
He said given the “gravity” of the situation and the potential explosion blast area, the county determined four miles around the blast area was the best plan. He said he “hopes” the county will be wrong about the need for evacuations.
He said people shouldn’t worry about their homes in their absence because of increased law enforcement, in part, from the governor.
Again, 866-601-5880 is the number to call for insurance claims.
Monk now is speaking. 20 air monitoring stations have been established in the community.
Port Neches Mayor Glenn Johnson “assures” city residents that TPC is concerned about their safety.
“They’ve done a lot for us and we want to thank them to make sure the city is informed about everything.”
“They’ve done a lot for us and we want to thank them to make sure the city is informed about everything.”
He said calling the evacuation wasn’t easy, but it’s better to call it and no one get hurt than someone get hurt.
“Port Neches will be zero tolerance...If you’re going to do wrong, you will be dealt with accordingly.”
Branick says in response to social media rumors that say the danger is gone: “if there is no chance for an explosion, why would we still have firefighters out there”
He said smaller explosions during the course of the day and the tower that “torpedoed off to the high school direction” brought concern and in part made the county and cities call the evacuation.
Branick said the nearby plants feel operations can continue safely. There have been feedstock issues, but those have been made up.
Air monitoring is as far downwind as Bridge City and Orange County, Monk said. He said the procedure is to start as far downwind and then come back until emissions are registered.
Johnson said at this time he doesn’t know where to start when assessing damage in Port Neches. He said it may take some time to get the city’s head around the numbers.
“I’ve been through four hurricanes ... last night, I live across the street from the high school tennis courts so I was in the blast zone ... at 1 o’clock I understand what it means to be thrown out of bed. I didn’t know what happened.” -Johnson
However he said the city staff is experienced and he can sit back and let them do their job.
Monk says a BLEVE or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion could happen, but responders are working to keep that from happening.
He says there are at least three tanks on fire, “there could be more,” and responders’ focus in part is to keep other tanks from lighting on fire.
In response to a question, Branick again says there is no timeline at this time.
Branick said at this time “I’m not the least bit concerned” with what caused the event. The focus is safety, the environment and getting the event under control.
Monk said authorities can’t yet make a determination of if this fire could be a total loss.
The elderly, infirm or those who lack transportation should call the city emergency management office for help.
And the press conference is finished.
