Decommissioned Doesn’t Mean Danger-Free
Our community is alarmed by the large fire that broke out on this morning at the decommissioned PHR Peakers power plant, located along Highway 146 near 29th Street in the Bacliff/San Leon area of Galveston County.
According to local reports, two cooling towers and adjacent power lines ignited, generating a massive plume of smoke that drifted north, prompting health warnings from authorities. No injuries have been confirmed to date.
While the plant is no longer in operation, this incident is a clear reminder: decommissioned energy infrastructure is not risk-free.
Here are key issues we believe must be addressed:
Persistent environmental and health risks
Even when a facility is shuttered, remaining infrastructure — such as cooling systems, piping, or electrical lines — can pose hazards. Fires, leaks, or structural degradation may expose nearby communities to toxic smoke, particulate matter, or other pollutants.
Orphaned wells and abandoned pipelines
Across Texas, there is a growing and under-addressed problem of orphan wells: inactive, unplugged wells with no responsible operator. These sites can leak methane (a potent greenhouse gas), toxic gases, or contaminated brine.
Regulatory and funding gaps
Despite the growing backlog, well-plugging efforts in Texas are not keeping pace. The state’s orphan well list has surged in recent months. Moreover, according to recent reporting, some abandoned wells continue leaking polluted water.
Greater transparency and community involvement
Residents deserve clear, timely information. Not only about immediate emergencies like fires, but also about long-term remediation plans. Communities should have a voice in how sites are evaluated, cleaned up, and monitored going forward.
CCBC calls on state and local leaders to:
Launch a comprehensive risk assessment of the decommissioned plant site, including any associated wells, pipes, or infrastructure.
Establish a transparent public communication plan so that residents know what’s at risk, what’s being done, and how they can protect themselves.
Secure dedicated funding and regulatory support to plug orphan wells, cap old pipelines, and remediate polluted lands — prioritizing sites near populated or vulnerable communities.
Develop a long-term monitoring strategy that ensures legacy energy infrastructure doesn’t become an ongoing threat to public health or the climate.
This fire is a wake-up call. As our region continues to grapple with industrial legacies, climate change, and environmental justice, we cannot treat “decommissioned” as a full stop. It must instead mark the beginning of responsible cleanup, accountability, and community-centered action.
CCBC stands ready to partner with government agencies, environmental organizations, and local residents to help ensure a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for Brazoria and Galveston counties.
For media and press inquires, contact:
Gwendolyn Jones
(979) 285-4477
Gwen@climateconversationbc.org
PHOTO CREDIT: Houston Chronicle/AP News
