Update: Port Neches no longer under voluntary evacuation order

Water from multiple lines arc onto the TPC Group chemical plant Wednesday. All fires were reported extinguished late Tuesday, but crews continued to douse the site. Photo taken Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Kim Brent/The Enterprise less Water from multiple lines arc onto the TPC Group chemical plant Wednesday. All fires were reported extinguished late Tuesday, but crews continued to douse the site. Photo taken Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Kim ... more Photo: Kim Brent / Kim Brent/The Enterprise Photo: Kim Brent / Kim Brent/The Enterprise Image 1 of / 252 Caption Close Update: Port Neches no longer under voluntary evacuation order 1 / 252 Back to Gallery

1 p.m. Thursday

The Chemical Safety Board addresses the press for the first time since the Nov. 27 explosion. Watch here:

12:30 p.m. Thursday:

From Jefferson County: Throughout the morning, TPC staff have been working to stop leaks that contributed to the elevated levels of 1,3-Butadiene in the City of Port Neches. As a result of the actions taken, the levels have now been greatly reduced to non-irritating amounts. Air monitoring will continue to ensure the levels are being maintained at their current measurements. Due to the improved current conditions, the City of Port Neches and Jefferson County Judge Branick are lifting the shelter in place and voluntary evacuation order for the City of Port Neches.

11:30 a.m. Thursday:

From TPC: A payout center at the former Port Neches Armory has been closed due to the evacuation. The center was only used as a by-appointment location for people who have filed a claim with TPC Group. It is expected to reopen after the evacuation and shelter-in-place order has been lifted. The temporary location is at 250 Dowlen Road in Beaumont, but is also by appointment only.

7 a.m. Thursday:

From Port Neches PD: Air monitoring reports show a decrease in overall levels of butadiene overnight. The highest levels continue to be in the Earle, Merriman and Saybrook area. The voluntary evacuation remains in effect at this time. We will update when new information becomes available.

RELATED: Port Neches must shelter-in-place; PN-G schools canceled

10 p.m. Wednesday:

A voluntary order to evacuate has been announced for Port Neches by city and county officials.

Elevated levels of 1,3-Butadiene, a chemical produced and stored at the TPC Group plant, has been detected at several monitored location in the city from Saba Lane to Port Neches Avenue.

In a statement, Jefferson County Emergency Spokesperson Allison Getz said there was an expected shift in wind direction and increase in humidity that could increase the impact of the chemicals.

A shelter has been established at Ford Park Arena in Beaumont.

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