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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #127694
State Police #10-06616
Accident Date2010-11-13
Report Date 2010-11-18
Follow-up Date 0000-00-00
Follow-up: No

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Benzene3h 10mTanks 90, 282, 99, 100, 101, and 261NONOYES44.0 pounds
Flammable Gas3h 10mTanks 90, 282, 99, 100, 101, and 261NONOYES2,765.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure

A compressor solenoid [computer] in the vapor recovery unit(VRU) developed an electrical short, which caused the VRU to shut down. The shut down caused atmosphere vents on Tanks 90, 282, 99, 100, 101, and 261 to open and relieve excess pressure. Released 2% Benzene and flammable gas.

Discharge Preventable - No

NO, the solenoid had an unanticipated electrical short.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Electricians repaired the solenoid and returned the VRU to service. They manually isolated natural gas flow from the tanks. Area around the tanks were monitored with gas test machines (readings below detection limit). Operation personnel monitored the area for odor. The RQs for benzene and flammable vapor were exceeded.