For more information, go to: Federal Register Notice

Washington, DC, October 12, 2005 - The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has announced a community meeting in Texas City, Texas, on Thursday, October 27, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. at the Doyle Convention Center. At the meeting, CSB investigators will present preliminary findings in their investigation of the March 23, 2005, explosion and fire at BP America's Texas City refinery.

The March 23 explosion and fire occurred in the refinery's isomerization unit. Fifteen contract workers were killed and over 170 people were injured. The purpose of this meeting is to present preliminary findings about the incident investigation to the community, and to hear public comments related to the incident and the Board's investigation.

The Doyle Convention Center is located at 2010 Fifth Avenue North, Texas City, TX. There is no fee or registration required to attend. Following the investigators' presentation, the Board will hear comments relating to the incident from members of the public.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety management systems.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Please visit our website, www.CSB.gov. For more information, contact Kara Wenzel, 202-261-7642 / 202-577-8448 (cell), or Lindsey Heyl, 202-261-3614 / 202-725-2204 (cell).