Harvey aftermath explosions reported flooded chemical plant

You're referring to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Yes, there were reports of explosions and fires at a flooded chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, which is located about 25 miles northeast of Houston.

The plant, owned by Arkema Inc., is a manufacturer of organic peroxides, which are used in a variety of products, including plastics, adhesives, and personal care items. The plant was severely damaged by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in Texas on August 25, 2017.

As the floodwaters rose, the plant's backup power systems failed, and the company's emergency generators were unable to keep the refrigeration systems running. This caused the organic peroxide containers to heat up and eventually explode, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

On August 31, 2017, the first explosion occurred at the plant, followed by several more over the next few days. The explosions were caused by the decomposition of the organic peroxides, which can release flammable gases as they break down.

The explosions and fires at the plant prompted the evacuation of nearby residents and the deployment of emergency responders to the scene. The incident was widely reported in the media, and it raised concerns about the safety of chemical plants in flood-prone areas.

In the aftermath of the incident, Arkema Inc. faced criticism for its handling of the situation, including allegations that the company had not taken adequate precautions to prevent the explosions and had not provided adequate warning to nearby residents. The company ultimately agreed to pay a $500,000 fine to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to settle allegations related to the incident.

The incident also led to changes in the way that chemical plants are regulated and inspected in the United States. In 2018, the EPA issued new guidelines for the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals at facilities that are located in flood-prone areas. The guidelines require companies to develop emergency response plans and to conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that their facilities are safe and secure.