PORT NECHES — TPC Group Port Neches operators are transferring all remaining materials from the site this week.

The location has been under constant watch and containment following a Nov. 27 explosion injuring on-site employees and leading to thousands of area evacuations.

County and response officials said this week’s material transfer is based on successful mechanical integrity inspections of tanks and equipment. TPC is initiating the flow of materials from tanks for barge loading.

The restart of equipment, specifically flaring activity at the docks, supports the de-inventory process.

“Flaring is a normal part of a shutdown or start-up process and helps ensure that facilities are environmentally sound,” Unified Command announced this week.

Unified Command includes TCEQ, TPC Group and Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management officials focusing on safely bringing the event to an end.

Officials said flare use ensures materials can be safely transferred out of the facility.

Deadline for Evacuation Claims

The TPC Group Community Assistance Helpline operates 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. To make an appointment to settle an evacuation claim, residents can call the Community Assistance Helpline at 866-601-5880.

Evacuation claim settlements are by appointment only at the Armory Claims Center, 511 Grigsby Ave. in Port Neches.

“Given the high number of evacuation claims already settled, low-call volume and recent decline in residents setting appointments for an evacuation-only claim, our intent is to complete the “evacuation-only” claim process by Jan. 19,” a release said.

TPC Group will redeploy resources to accelerate the property claims process as evacuation-only appointments continue to decline.

Impacted residents filing a property claim can still settle their evacuation claim simultaneously after Jan. 19, and therefore do not need to set up an “evacuation-only” claim appointment.

The Unified Command Joint Information Center is managing inquiries via the official response website at portnechesresponse.com.

Residents are also encouraged to register for updates from the Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN). Call 1-877-843-7826 (toll-free) anytime to hear important alerts and notifications, or visit www.thestan.com to register for notifications.