The Environmental Protection Agency has deployed mobile air monitoring staff and equipment to Southeast Texas to monitor air quality after Hurricane Laura.
The EPA says the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality submitted the request, and staff arrived this weekend.
EPA says its "Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer" is monitoring air around Beaumont and Port Arthur as industrial areas begin to reopen. The agency says it is monitoring for emissions that may be the result of damage from strong winds or flooding.
A plane that can take infrared photos in addition to air monitoring samples made 18 "data collection runs" Friday. EPA says the plane detected chemicals on four runs, but "the maximum detections were less than federal and state acute screening levels." Data collection runs will continue through Monday.
EPA also says crews using hand-held monitors are working both day and night shifts to monitor readings in several neighborhoods.
The EPA's office in Dallas has also sent employees to the Texas Coast to monitor drinking water quality.
Online: EPA Supports State of Texas’ Air Monitoring Efforts Following Hurricane Laura