Houston lays out new rules after fatal Watson Grinding explosion
Community Impact Newspaper
Share: Just under a year after an explosion at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing killed two and damaged over 400 structures, including homes, Houston City Council approved a new set of rules regarding storage of hazardous materials. A lot of my constituents have asked what was going to come of this, said District A Council Member Amy Peck, who represents the northwest area of Houston where the explosion occurred. In a city without zoning, this is very important, Council Member Sallie Alcorn said.
The amendments to an existing ordinance strengthen the fire marshal s enforcement capabilities and adds libraries, churches, public parks and community centers to the list of locations that businesses that store hazardous materials must stay farther than 1,000 feet away from.
The explosion aftermath at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing Co.
Houston City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that tightens regulations for businesses storing hazardous materials within city limits.
The amendments come in part as a response to the Watson, Grinding & Manufacturing plant explosion that jolted Spring Branch on January 24, killing three and damaging hundreds of homes.
The blast is believed to have originated from a leak in a propylene tank, and it shattered windows, knocked homes off of their foundations and was felt miles away.
The changes passed Wednesday update the city s hazardous enterprises ordinance, which outlines permit requirements for businesses dealing with toxic chemicals.