Routine sewer repair in Trinity County, Texas, turned deadly this week when toxic gas at a Westwood Shores sewer plant killed three workers.
These sudden deaths sparked an emergency response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby communities.
Now, a multi-agency investigation is underway to determine how routine maintenance went so wrong and whether these deaths could have been prevented.
Toxic & Deadly Gas Exposure in Trinity: What We Know So Far
On Wednesday, August 27, three workers were repairing a motor at an above-ground lift station, which transports wastewater and sewage. As they carried out maintenance operations, they reportedly noticed signs that:
- A line below a nearby manhole had cracked, threatening to back up and overflow.
- Sewage was about to enter their work area.
Attempting to cap the cracked line and stop this sewage backup, one worker reportedly entered a manhole, and:
- He was quickly rendered unconscious.
- Another worker entered the manhole right after, trying to help his unconscious colleague when he also lost consciousness.
- The third worker tried to help the others, going into the manhole and also becoming unconscious.
At 3:52 p.m., the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department (TCSD) received an emergency call about the unconscious workers, arriving at the scene shortly after.
According to emergency responders, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas was detected in the manhole, and one of the workers’ gas meters had an alarm sounding, with an alert about high levels of H₂S.
The presence of hydrogen sulfide delayed recovery efforts, as first responders had to wait for additional resources before entering the manhole. They also reportedly had to wait for underground water levels to be lowered before they could safely reach the unconscious workers, as the area was a central connection point for several pumps.
That didn’t happen until about 3 hours later, between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. At that time, the emergency crew was not able to revive the workers.
Although authorities have not released many details about the victims, they have disclosed that:
- The workers ranged in age from 46 to 52 years old.
- All three were contractors. Two were employed by H20 Innovations, and the other worked for Hydroclear.
The Aftermath
During emergency rescue efforts, officials issued a temporary shelter-in-place order for the quarter-mile area surrounding the plant. This was lifted around 5:00 p.m. when measurements indicated the toxic gas was contained to the manhole.
Notably, authorities have been careful to emphasize that:
- This fatal gas exposure was not the result of a “pressurized leak.”
- Nearby neighborhoods were not exposed to toxic hydrogen sulfide.
- Westwood Shores locals should still steer clear of Dawns Edge and Creekway to Oakridge.
- Investigations are ongoing.
Officials with the TCSD have stated that they do not suspect criminal activity or foul play. Nevertheless, federal authorities with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are conducting their own investigations into this fatal gas exposure.
Commenting on this incident, Frédéric Dugré, the President and CEO of H2O Innovation, stated:
This is a profoundly difficult day for our team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who lost their lives. This is a sad day for our entire team.
Right now, we are focused on doing all we can to support the families of those employees and the rest of our team. Out of respect for them and the continuing investigation, we will release more information when it is available and as permitted by the families and law enforcement.
A Look at Sewer Repair Dangers
The fatal gas exposure in Trinity, TX, is a terrible wake-up call to the extreme risks associated with sewer repairs and manhole work.
In fact, sewer system work can be life-threatening in seconds when the proper safety protocols are not implemented for risks like (and not limited to):
- Confined spaces: Sewer lines and access points like manholes can trap toxic gases, accelerating the risks of toxic exposures.
- Limited escape routes: Manholes and sewer lines tend to have just one narrow entry and exit. If workers are quickly overcome by toxic fumes, climbing out can become impossible without external rescue support.
- Chemical exposure: Beyond H₂S, workers can be exposed to methane, carbon monoxide, and/or industrial chemical runoff.
According to the latest data from OSHA, an average of seven people die each year due to hydrogen sulfide exposure alone.
How Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Leaks Happen
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic gas produced by decaying organic matter. With a rotten-egg-like smell at low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can accumulate from:
- Natural decomposition of sewage and organic matter
- Chemical reactions with industrial waste
- Inadequate ventilation in confined workspaces.
According to OSHA, hydrogen sulfide exposure isn’t just a risk in the wastewater treatment industry. It’s also a danger for those who work in:
- Agricultural silos and pits
- Food processing
- Hot asphalt paving
- Mining
- Petroleum production and refining
- Pulp and paper processing
- Textile manufacturing
Heat can speed up the dangerous effects of H₂S, increasing gas released from sewage, reducing available oxygen in confined spaces, and amplifying the potential for life-threatening injuries.
What’s Next?
The deaths of three workers in Trinity County highlight the ever-present dangers of toxic gases, confined spaces, and sewer plant work. As OSHA and state agencies continue their investigations, the findings may prompt official reports, punitive actions, and follow-up inspections.
That could pave the way for life-saving changes and new safety protocols in the future. For now, however, it may bring little relief to those who have lost a loved one to deadly exposures. What can help in these situations is having experienced legal counsel in your corner.