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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: Piping or Tubing

A leak had occurred from a slop oil line between a benzene storage take and a larger, aromatics feed storage tank.

Discharge Preventable - No

This release is not considered to be preventable at this time.

Notes/Remedial Actions

At approximately 0345 hours on December 9, 2005 refinery personnel identified a hydrocarbon odor on the refinery property. The area was located within the refinery, along the south side of the Hydrodesulfurization Unit. After investigating the odor it was determined that a leak had occurred from a slop oil line between a benzene storage tank and a larger, aromatics feed storage tank. Liquid recovered was returned to refinery slop oil for processing. Excavated soils were containerized on staged on site pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. When the situation was discovered, the transfer was stopped immediately, ending the incident. The line has been removed from service and inspected in order to implement an appropriate repair plan. The section of the line which resulted in this release is being replaced with new piping. The refinery claims that the liquid released was contained on refinery property and recovered via vacuum truck. No migration off of refinery property or to groundwater has been observed. Excavated soils were containerized and staged on site pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. *The quantity of benzene and slop oil, although listed as separate pollutants below have one quantity totally 288 pounds (39.3 gallons).