The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to fine three companies more than $3.5 million after federal inspectors determined they failed to protect workers during emergency response cleanup after a chemical spill at the BWC Terminals industrial facility in Channelview, Texas.
of the department Occupational Safety and Health Administration After a sulfuric acid leak occurred at the BWC Terminals LLC industrial facility on December 27, 2025, which injured several employees, the company initiated three inspections. OSHA found that despite safety warnings, BWC Terminals mixed fresh and spent sulfuric acid, causing overpressure in storage tanks that ruptured a supply line and released 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid, injuring multiple employees.
BWC Terminals contracted with Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. to handle hazardous waste cleanup following the chemical spill, and Coastal Environmental Solutions hired subcontractor One Way Environmental Services LLC to provide labor for the cleanup and remediation process.
OSHA investigators found One Way Environmental Services LLC guilty of 18 counts of willful egregious conduct and five serious violations after investigators found the employer sent workers to clean up a chemical spill without adequate training, respirator fit testing or safety measures. OSHA proposed a penalty of $3,045,452.
Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. faces $392,501 in penalties for two willful violations and five serious violations, including lack of training, safety and health plans, hazardous waste operations emergency response plans and emergency response, and deficiencies related to the use of respirators.
BWC Terminals was charged with six serious violations for subjecting workers to chemical burns, failing to provide hazardous materials training and deficiencies related to the use of respirators. OSHA proposed a fine of $82,750.
In total, the proposed penalties against the three employers total $3,520,703.
Source: Department of Labor
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Texas polluting chemicals
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