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On Saturday, December 27, 2025, an industrial accident at the BWC Terminals chemical facility in Channelview, Texas, resulted in the release of a large volume of sulfuric acid. It is unknown how widespread the incident’s impact may be at this time. This incident marks another in a line of Houston chemical exposure leaks in recent years.
What Happened?
According to local sources, the release occurred early Saturday morning, just after 2 a.m. when a catwalk structure at the BWC Terminals plant on Jacintoport Boulevard collapsed onto a 6-inch sulfuric acid supply line. The collapse caused the line to rupture, allowing an estimated 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid stored in a large tank to leak from the facility.
Most of the spilled acid reportedly entered the plant’s designated containment area, but an unknown amount also reached water connected to the Houston Ship Channel. Officials say there have been no confirmed impacts on marine life so far.
Health and Ecological Risks of Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical widely used in industrial processes, including manufacturing and water treatment. Exposure to sulfuric acid can cause severe irritation or damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Its release into water bodies could harm aquatic ecosystems, even when containment measures are in place. There will almost certainly be delayed effects, but only time will tell what those will be.
Response and Medical Treatment
First responders, including the Channelview Fire Department, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Environmental Protection Agency, were deployed to secure the site, contain the spill, and monitor environmental conditions.
- Two people were taken to a hospital immediately for respiratory issues related to exposure but were later released.
- Approximately 44 people – including workers and personnel from two ships docked at the nearby San Jacinto Port – were evaluated at the scene for symptoms such as difficulty breathing or irritation.
- Air quality monitoring has been ongoing; officials have reported that levels remain within safe limits, and no area-wide shelter-in-place orders were issued.
Environmental and Public Safety Measures
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other authorities confirmed that the Houston Ship Channel remains open, and traffic has not been significantly disrupted.
Ongoing actions include:
- Continuous air quality and water monitoring to assess potential impacts on public health and the environment.
- Hazardous materials containment and cleanup operations by specialized response teams.
- An investigation into the cause of the catwalk collapse and subsequent leak to determine whether procedural or structural failures contributed.
Contact an Experienced Chemical Exposure Attorney in Houston
If you suffered a surface or internal injury as a result of Saturday’s Channelview sulfur leak, you need to contact the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian today. Hilda Sibrian has served Houston for over 21 years, including clients suffering serious industrial injuries and toxic chemical exposures. Some of the effects of sulfuric acid exposure include: dizziness, difficulty breathing, rashes or coughing up blood, if ingested.
Contact Hilda Sibrian today at 713-714-1414 or by filling out our online contact form.
