Valero: We'll Handle This Incident, Thank You

This time it's Valero. As spokesman Bill Day put it, "Valero reported an incident this morning
involving a sulfur loading tank at the Valero Houston Refinery that resulted in some release of sulfur compounds. The release has been contained, and at this time we believe there is no further threat to the community."

"Some release of sulfur compounds" -- doesn't sound that bad.

Of course, nearby residents had to shelter in place for a while, but that's to be expected when you live next to a refinery.

Also, of course, the company involved with the incident would rather handle itself than get the Houston fire department all involved.

We're sure it's altruistic motives of not wanting to take up HFD's time, or that Valero is more expert at this kind of thing, but early radio reports talked of local fire departments being kept outside of Valero property.

Cynics would envision all kinds of evidence being accidentally destroyed before the lawyers can get at it, but we're not that cynical.

But some people are, we bet.

-- Richard Connelly