AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission is reminding regulated industries under its jurisdiction that June 1 marks the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season and to review or update emergency preparedness and response plans. These plans should include steps they deem necessary to secure and protect personnel, equipment and facilities to prevent injury or damage in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane.
In the event a hurricane causes a leak or spill of five barrels or more on land, or any amount into water, operators are reminded they must immediately notify the RRC.
Operators are also required by RRC rules to contain and clean up any spills and remediate any impacted soil or vegetation.
Spills can be reported to the RRC’s district offices around the state. Contact information for those offices can be found on the RRC’s website here. The RRC also maintains a toll-free emergency hotline 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 1-844-773-0305.