CHANNELVIEW, TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed more than $3.5 million in penalties against three companies on June 29, 2026. Federal investigators found that these companies failed to protect workers during cleanup efforts following a sulfuric acid spill at an industrial facility in Channelview, Texas.

OSHA launched three inspections after a sulfuric acid spill occurred at the BWC Terminals facility on December 27, 2025. The spill injured multiple employees.

According to OSHA, BWC Terminals mixed fresh and spent sulfuric acid despite safety warnings, causing a tank to become overpressurized. Investigators said the pressure ruptured a supply line, releasing about 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid.

BWC Terminals hired Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. to oversee hazardous waste cleanup. Coastal Environmental Solutions subcontracted One Way Environmental Services LLC to provide laborers for the work.

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling said in a statement, "Despite having full knowledge of the severe hazards involved in the spill and cleanup response, these three employers chose to bypass OSHA requirements and put their workers at serious risk." He added, "Their joint failure to protect workers was not an oversight, it was a choice that resulted in preventable employee injuries and environmental impacts." Keeling also said, "We will not hesitate to hold employers accountable when they ignore federal laws that are in place to protect workers safety and health."

OSHA cited One Way Environmental Services LLC with 18 willful egregious violations and five serious violations, proposing $3,045,452 in penalties. The agency alleged the company sent workers to clean up the chemical spill without adequate training, respirator fit testing, or other required safety measures.

Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. faces $392,501 in proposed penalties for two willful and five serious violations. OSHA said the company failed to provide adequate worker training, establish a safety and health program, develop an emergency response plan for hazardous waste operations, and ensure proper respirator use.

BWC Terminals received six serious citations from OSHA, with proposed penalties of $82,750. OSHA alleged that BWC Terminals exposed workers to chemical burns, failed to provide hazardous materials training, and had deficiencies related to respirator use.

In total, OSHA is seeking $3,520,703 in proposed penalties against the three employers. The cited companies have 15 business days after receiving the citations to either comply with OSHA's findings, request an informal conference with the agency's area director, or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.