LyondellBasell working to stop bright flare at its Bayport-area chemical plant, company says

PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Smoke towered over Bayport on Wednesday afternoon after a chemical plant's operations led to an unexpected flare, according to LyondellBasell.

SkyEye was over the scene; a thick plume of smoke billowed from the flames and into the sky.

The chemical company said its Pasadena plant, located on Bay Area Boulevard, experienced "operational conditions" that resulted in "flaring at the facility."

LyondellBasell said flaring is a safety and environmental control device used to manage and combust process materials.

The company's officials said the community may notice a bright flare, smoke, or a rumbling noise as the incident unfolds, but there is no threat to the surrounding area.

LyondellBasell assured it was working to stop the flaring as quickly and safely as possible, adding that its focus was to "minimize inconvenience and protect the safety of the community, the environment, and employees."

The operational condition that prompted the flare was not immediately known.