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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

During periodic rounds and gauging of tank 72 (D-72), refinery operations personnel observed slop oil overflowing from tank 72. It was determined that the tank had experienced an unanticipated sure in inventory between manual gauging events. The release was caused by the unanticipated malfunction of tank gauge equipment.

Discharge Preventable - No

The release was caused by the unanticipated malfunction of tank gauge equipment and is not considered to be preventable at this time.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Chalmette Refining reported a release of oil (Slop Oil) and Benzene on 1/7/05. Calculations performed after the incident indicate the greater than a reportable quantity of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) was also released during this incident, as such, emissions calculations for VOCs are included in this follow-up report. Hurricane Katrina caused damage to the electronic tank gauge (telepulse) system for tank 72 (D-72). As mitigation step, periodic manual gauging of D-72 was implemented based on anticipated tank inventory movement. At approximately 2345 hours on 11/7/05 during periodic rounds and gauging of tank 72, refinery operations personnel observed slop oil overflowing from tank 72. It was determined that the tank had experienced an unanticipated surge in inventory between manual gauging events. Since the tank receives inventory from multiple sources the reason for the unexpected increase in inventory was no immediately evident. Oil (as slop oil) released from refinery tank 72 (D-72) via overflow. Slop oil and water was released to the carthen tank containment dike. A portion of the slop oil components evaporated to the air. Transfer to tank the was stopped ending the incident. Transfer out of the tank to the other storage was initiated, lowering the level. Vacuum Trucks were dispatched in order to recover released liquids. The electronic tank gauge for tank 72 has been repaired and placed back in service. Liquid released was contained within the tank dike area and recovered via vacuum truck. Refinery personnel have begun removing soils that appear to have come in contact with spilled slop oil and will remove all stained soil for off site disposal. Currently, migration outside of the tank dike or to groundwater is not suspected. Released liquids that did not volatilize were contained within the tank dike area. Liquids were recovered via vacuum truck and placed into refinery tankage for re-processing. Excavated soils are being placed in roll-off containers, characterized and properly disposed of.