PORT NECHES — The City of Port Neches and Jefferson County Judge Branick announced just after noon Thursday that officials lifted the shelter in place and voluntary evacuation order.

Local leaders said TPC staff members worked throughout the morning to stop leaks that contributed to the elevated levels of 1,3-Butadiene.

The improved current conditions led to the canceled voluntary evacuation.

Butadiene is used in the production of synthetic rubber.

The highest reading of volatile organic compounds in Port Neches came at 2401 Saba Lane, where a “very light unpleasant aromatic odor” was detected at 4:12 p.m. Wednesday, according to air quality data from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality released Thursday morning. The VOC was recorded at 0.975 parts per million.

The highest butadiene reading came at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday — 0.3 ppm at the northwest intersection of Texas Highway 136 and FM 466, the site of the TPC facility. A strong chemical odor was detected.

The Port Neches Christmas Parade, originally scheduled Saturday (Dec. 7), has been canceled.

The American Red Cross recovery center in Nederland was closed Thursday morning due to the voluntary evacuation and shelter-in-place in Port Neches.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Ford Park Entertainment Complex for those in need of a safe location. The address for Ford Park is 5115 Interstate 10 Access Road, Beaumont.

The recovery center at First Baptist Church of Nederland, 1911 Nederland Ave., will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday. Those who visit the site will need to bring proof of address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

Red Cross caseworkers will be available at the recovery center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Trained Red Cross spiritual care and mental health workers will provide services to people who come into the recovery center, including emotional support.