I use to sample groundwater at some of those places along the ship channel, I also had groundwater monitoring wells within 100’ of the water that I had to do Light non aqueous petroleum liquid (LnapL) pumping at where I would pump of gasoline type liquids out of the wells, and see the test results of the sampling so my view is probably a little more dim than what the average joe on the street see’s.
I use to live in the area and fish all over the Galveston bay complex so it’s sad to see any type of chemical release into our waterways.
As sublime mentioned it can be double edged for folks who live and work in these plants. I really like my friends having jobs but I also really like having clean water. We can do better if it is a priority for these companies, granted accidents do and will happen.