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Valero (1238), Meraux

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #126739
State Police #10-05663
Accident Date2010-09-28
Report Date 2010-10-04
Follow-up Date 2010-12-01
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Sulfur Dioxide2hFLARE - North Flare (#20-72)NOYESNOBRQ
Sulfur Dioxide15mFLARE - South Flare (#3-77)NOYESNOBRQ

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

Power Outage. A power interruption caused emergency safety shutdowns in several units. The hydrocracker shut down, and hydrogen from it was combusted at the North Flare. At the South Flare a mix of hydrocarbon vapors were combusted. There were brief, intermittent periods of flaring. FLARE. FOLLOW-UP Letter states that the cause of the unanticipated power outage was a "failed lightening arrestor on a main feeder line."

Discharge Preventable - Not Applicable

Report states "not applicable."

Notes/Remedial Actions

BRQ. Follow-up letter states that release was below reportable quantities. Operating procedures were followed to safely secure and re-start affected units and they are investigating what caused the unplanned power interruption. Murphy Oil inspected all arrestors and replaced two that show signs of wear.