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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: No Information Given

Cause of Problem: Human Factors

Contract personnel were performing a transfer or diesel fuel from storage, into a fueling truck to be used to move diesel equipment being used within the refinery. The responsible person left the transfer and when he returned, found that the receiving tank had overflowed.

Discharge Preventable - Yes

This release is considered to be preventable at this time.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The event began on 10/21/05 at approximately 1320 hours. At approximately 0510 hours on 10/21/05, refinery contract personnel identified a spill of diesel to an asphalt roadway and adjacent drainage ditch on the refinery property. The area was located within the refinery, along a service road in the East Tank Farm, running parallel to Saint Bernard Highway. Contract personnel were performing a transfer of diesel fuel from storage, into a fueling truck to be used to move diesel to equipment being used within the refinery. The responsible person left the transfer and when he returned, found that the receiving tank had overflowed. Personnel estimated that approximately 55 gallons of diesel had spilled. This incident did not cause an Emergency Condition. Liquid recovered was returned to refinery slop oil for processing. Excavated soils were containerized and staged on side pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. When the situation was discovered, the transfer was stopped immediately, ending the incident. The person directly responsible for the fuel transfer was disciplined by his employer. Personnel responsible for the transfer of fuels for an onsite consumption have been coach regarding importance of spill prevention and following proper procedures. Liquid released was contained on refinery property and recovered via vacuum truck. No migration off of refinery property or to groundwater has been observed.