News Releases from Region 06
TCEQ/EPA Update on Corpus Christi, Texas
TCEQ/EPA Update on Corpus Christi, Texas
Contact: David Gray, gray.david@epa.gov
DALLAS – (December 16, 2016) The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have integrated their operations in both Austin and Corpus Christi to ensure the situation is handled as swiftly as possible. The top priority is a transparent response and the safety of Corpus Christi residents, and both organizations will continue to provide any and all support to remedy this situation as quickly as possible.
TCEQ and EPA have been in continuous contact with city representatives on ensuring public awareness of this situation. Together the agencies have initiated multiple measures, including sampling to determine the extent of potential impact and providing technical assistance on flushing the water distribution system. Last night, both agencies assisted the City of Corpus Christi in releasing zone 1 from water usage restrictions and continue to work around-the-clock with city officials to evaluate additional portions of the city for release.
EPA has made available emergency analytical services from the EPA lab located in nearby Houston, Texas. Indulin AA-86 is not normally found in drinking water and scientists are working with the chemical manufacturer to establish drinking water testing procedures and methods. To assist with this effort, EPA has also stood up its Emergency Operations Center in Dallas to provide national scientific assistance as needed.
As soon as further information is available, the TCEQ and EPA will provide additional detail. Public information regarding this incident is available on the TCEQ's website at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/corpus-christi-emergency-response.
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