SHEPHERD — A leak of a liquid propane/ethane mix from a pipeline near FM 1127 prompted an evacuation of area residents and the closure of the road.
According to information from the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management, authorities were notified of the leak Friday morning. The owner of the pipeline, ONEOK, released a statement that day:
“On June 12, there was a release on our pipeline outside of Shepherd, Texas, believed to be related to third-party excavation activity. Employees quickly isolated the affected segment and are working to safely remove product (gas) from the line.
“FM 1127 is currently closed to traffic and is expected to remain closed through the weekend. Company and local officials have established an alternate route for access to remain open 24 hours with lighting and security personnel.
“Residents who live in the neighborhoods down FM 1127 and are displaced overnight should send reimbursement receipts to RESnotices@oneok.com.”
An ONEOK spokesperson said safety is the company’s top priority, and they are committed to protecting our employees, our communities, our assets and the environment.
At around 7 a.m. Sunday, an 18-wheeler carrying nitrogen for the pipeline repair operation occurred near Wright Boulevard and additional fire equipment and personnel responded and mitigated the incident by 1 p.m.
At around 2 p.m. Sunday, a TxDOT approved contractor reopened single-lane access on FM 1127 east of U.S. Highway 59. Pilot vehicles were to be in place to guide motorists through the area.
According to SJC emergency management, pipeline repair activities were continuing, as does precautionary air monitoring.
For resident questions or public road access updates, follow the San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071113062735, Precinct 2 Constable San Jacinto County at www.facebook.com/constableatchley, Shepherd Police Department at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587343473596 or the Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department.
