“A threat of additional explosion remains,” said a statement from Arkema, the French chemicals group that runs the plant in Crosby, Texas, which was under about six feet of water from the relentless rains unleashed by Harvey. The plant manufactures organic peroxides, a family of compounds used in everything from pharmaceuticals to construction materials such as counter tops and pipes. The plant lost primary power and then two sources of emergency backup power, said Richard Rowe, chief executive of Arkema’s North American unit. Police cruisers and SUVs sealed off access to the Crosby plant on Highway 90, which connects Houston and Beaumont. James and Deborah Hyer sat frustrated in a white pickup truck with a plant water tower in view.

Source: National Post August 31, 2017 11:59 UTC