The Houston Ship Channel remained closed Monday because of oil and pollutants that leaked into the waterway during last week's chemical fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park, Texas, a Coast Guard official told reporters.
But officials say they are making progress in their efforts to open the waterway, as well as to empty and secure tanks at the ITC facility and to monitor air quality for hazardous material. Deer Park students returned to school Monday.
"I'm very, very optimistic in regards to the progress that's being made," said Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton, praising the collaborative cleanup effort. "I stand here today and tell you in assurance that safety to the public is priority number one."
The all-important channel is described by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a manmade port for ocean-going vessels, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Houston and Harris County, Texas.
U.S. Coast Guard Captain Kevin Oditt said tests are being done to monitor the conditions of the channel. A tank ship successfully went through the area on Sunday.
"The goal was to assess the impact to the on-scene recovery operations as well as ensure that there was no visible oil on the hull. Both were successful," Oditt said.
A tank ship and tank barge were to be sent through the area on Monday, he said. The Coast Guard has opened the San Jacinto River, he said.
