CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A propane pipeline explosion and a natural gas leak occurred all within weeks in Corpus Christi.
The fire is of course out, but the overflowing from the leak has been ongoing for two days now. Both accidents leaked highly flammable gases into our waters.
Local wildlife experts say when things like this happen -- they immediately jump into action.
"Did a complete walk through to make sure that we were ready to go in the event an animal that had been exposed but they contained it very, very well," Jesse Gilbert with the Texas State Aquarium said.
Though propane was involved in last month's pipeline explosion at the Corpus Christi Ship Channel -- Gilbert said because the line was cut off right away -- exposure to sea life was minimal. His crew didn't need to help.
"Much like us, if they detect a respiratory irritant and they can move to a area of lesser concentration they will," Gilbert said.
Experts said they don't anticipate any lasting effects from the blast.
"From my standpoint of wildlife, I don't know that we see any issues that could come from long-term because the exposure was so minimal," Gilbert said.
As for the natural gas leak, Gilbert said there's even less harm to marine and wildlife because the hissing noise from the overflow might be keeping them away.
"You got this roaring sound -- that sound alone is probably pushing the animals far, far, far from that rig underwater so marine animals are probably avoiding that like crazy just because of the sound itself," Gilbert said.
For the ones living above sea level, the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality has been working with Corpus Christi to keep the community updated on the air quality in surrounding areas.
Statement from TCEQ:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reports a greater number of air monitors set up at key locations throughout the area have not detected any level of hazardous materials in the air. Additionally, the ocean and beaches continue to remain safe. There is no threat to citizens and no action is required by residents.