SUGAR LAND, Texas -- A leaking tanker-truck sent a large plume of white smoke into the air Monday afternoon, forcing officials to issue a shelter-in-place for more than an hour, KPRC Local 2 reported. More than two-dozen workers were also treated.

The chemical release came from a ruptured line at the Nalco Energy Services plant at 7705 Highway 90 in Sugar Land at about 1:45 p.m.

Officials said the tanker leaked ethylenediamine, which is a solvent used in adhesives that is considered an irritant.

Three Nalco employees were sent to the hospital for treatment of respiratory problems, according to authorities.

"We've also decontaminated approximately 27 Nalco employees. We are asking that any residents within the community that experience any kind of respiratory problems report to the nearest emergency room," Sugar Land Fire Chief Dannie Smith said.

The conditions were not released, but officials said the three employees were responsive and alert.

"We believe a pressure-relief valve on the truck may have dislodged causing a release into the atmosphere," said John Wantuch, Nalco's plant manager.

The truck was being prepared to be unloaded into a storage tank when the release happened.

A plant spokesman said the tanker contained about 4,000 gallons of ethylenediamine, which is mixed with water to manufacture corrosion inhibitors for energy equipment.

An investigation is under way to determine the cause.

Missouri City issued a shelter-in-place for approximately one mile around the area of Highway 6 and Murphy Road, which affected about 5,800 homes, according to authorities. It was lifted at 3:30 p.m.

Several Sugar Land subdivisions asked to shelter-in-place, including Venetian Estates, Brookside Belknap, The Hill and Mayfield Park, were given the all-clear by 3 p.m.

Fort Bend Independent School District officials also lifted the shelters-in-place that were issued for the following schools.

Kempner High School
Sugar Land Middle School
Sugar Mill Elementary School
Lakeview Elementary School
M.R. Wood Alternative Campus

When a shelter-in-place is issued, residents should:

Go inside.
Shut all doors and windows.
Turn off air conditioners and heaters to prevent outside air from getting inside.
Stay off the phone.
Do not use fireplaces. Put out fires and close all dampers.
Move to the room with the fewest windows and doors. Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents using plastic sheeting or garbage bags, if directed.
Turn on the radio or television to listen for further instructions.

Road Conditions:

• Houston TranStar Real-Time Traffic Map


• Traffic Pulse Real-Time Traffic Map


• Traffic Section


• Houston Transtar


• Texas Dept. of Transportation Web site or call 800-452-9292


• Harris County Office of Emergency Management Web site

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