Exxon sued by Texas over fire at plant

The state of Texas is suing Exxon Mobil for environmental violations, including releasing millions of gallons of firefighting wastewater into the Houston Ship Channel after the petrochemical giant’s most recent fire and explosion in Baytown.

The lawsuit, filed by the attorney general on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, seeks to get an injunction, civil penalties exceeding $100,000, attorney’s fees and court costs for alleged violations of the Texas Clean Air Act and the Texas Water Code. It follows the filing of a lawsuit by Harris County on Aug. 1 — a day after the company’s plant erupted in flames and injured at least 37 people.

The July 31 fire at the Baytown Olefins Plant released a plume of black smoke visible for miles. For several hours, the city of Baytown issued an order to shelter in place to residents who live west of the plant and south of Texas State Highway Spur 330.

The cause of the fire still is being investigated. Two workers who suffered second- and third-degree burns as a result of the fire have also filed lawsuits seeking more than $1 million in damages each.

Exxon Mobil is reviewing the lawsuit, said Sarah Nordin, a spokeswoman for the company.

“The Baytown refinery has resumed normal operations, while the chemical and olefins plant remain at reduced rates,” she wrote.

“All employees and contractors involved have received medical