The largest crude oil refinery in the United States, Motiva Enterprises’ Port Arthur, Texas, plant was shut down on Wednesday due to immense flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey. The plant accounts for nearly 20% of the country’s refining capacity.
“Return to service is contingent upon recession of flood waters in the area,” the company said in a statement on its website of the controlled shutdown, adding that the safety of employees is of the highest priority.
Some 145 km east of Houston, Port Arthur was hit with some 25 inches of rain during the night, causing severe flooding and damage, while water rescue operations resumed at the first sign of daylight.
