On May 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.,
EPA was notified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
of a release of an unknown amount of thionyl chloride vapors at the former
Environmental Fluids chemical facility in Bay City, TX. The Matagorda
County Fire Department initially responded to the incident due to a
resident report. According to TCEQ and local responders, the release
resulted
from rainwater reacting with
the thionyl chloride due to corrosion of the impacted drums that were
stored improperly outdoors. Thionyl chloride releases toxic vapors when
reacting with water.
EPA is leading the
response, and is working closely with TCEQ, Harris County, Matagorda
County and other local first responders. EPA deployed to assess the scene and
conduct air monitoring. Air monitoring is being conducted for volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric acid. The site is being
assessed to remove the exposed drums. Currently, there are no known
impacts to drinking or wastewater.
EPA is monitoring the scene and
will continue to provide updates as needed.
