| The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Port Arthur’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) held a Port Coordination Team (PCT) conference call at 0900 hours today to update industry partners on the Valero Refinery fire, the potential impacts on the Sabine-Neches waterway, and address any stakeholder questions. Your WGMA Maritime Affairs team participated on the call and has the following report for our membership:
Valero Public Relations:
· Monday at 6:25PM a fire was reported at the refinery where Valero’s Emergency Response Team responded and was aided by the City of Port Arthur.
· A shelter in place was called into place as a precaution but has since been lifted as of 5:38AM today and all roadways are open.
· Air monitoring has been conducted by Valero along with TCEQ and EPA with no accidences for air monitoring at this time.
· Fire was contained around 3:30AM this morning and will continue to be monitored at the site with causes of fire still unknown and will continue to be invested.
· Capt. Merchant discerns no impact to the waterway at this time, docks where unaffected by incident. All vessel transfers where ceased immediately when incident occurred and remain shot down and idle at this time.
Sabine Pilots:
· Few outbounds where ran last night.
· 7 inbounds
· 4 outbounds
National Weather Service:
· Several days of nice weather expected with highs in the 80’s.
· No precipitation in chances in site, with only morning fog expected both inshore and offshore.
· Winds will return back out of the South at about 10mph by the end of the afternoon.
WGMA members are reminded that our partners DTN WeatherOps can provide customized weather reports for your specific area. Contact WGMA Maritime Affairs to sign up to receive these reports.
MSU Port Arthur does Not anticipates another PCT conference call. Your WGMA Maritime Affairs team will participate on all PCT calls and/or updates to our membership as needed. |
