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March 15, 2010

Huntsman upset causes flaring, smoke

Staff Writer CNHI

PORT ARTHUR — PORT NECHES — A process upset at Huntsman sent black smoke into the sky Monday morning.

Gary Chapman, vice president of corporate communications for Huntsman, said the process upset was caused when a number of boilers shut down about 12:30 p.m. March 15. Flaring and subsequent smoke could be seen for miles away.

The incident lasted about 20 minutes, he added.

The plant is expected to be fully operational by Tuesday and more flaring is possible, he said.

Chapman said Huntsman was in contact with local schools near the plant. The flaring and smoke were not hazardous, he added.

Dale Fontenot, who works in the safety and security department at Port Neches-Groves ISD, said a shelter in place was not called for on Monday.

A communication system is in place between first responders, he said.

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