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Valero (26003), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #123617
State Police #10-02735
Accident Date2010-05-20
Report Date 2010-05-27
Follow-up Date 2010-07-19
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Sulfuric Acid30mTank 50-1: Sulfuric Acid PipelineNONONO1,540.0 pounds

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Corrosion

Refinery letter states that a leak occurred in a sulfuric acid pipeline due to interior corrosion of the pipeline. Section 3 of tank area, near Tank 50-1.

Discharge Preventable - No

The interior corrosion that occurred could not have been found through normal inspections. Also, the pipe materials were compatible with this service.

Notes/Remedial Actions

RQ. Reportable quantity for sulfuric acid was exceeded. After donning protective gear, the tank farm operator immediately closed the valve to prevent any additional discharge. Personnel was mobilized to begin the remediation process. Some acid was recovered, using a stainless steel vacuum truck. The pressure indicator was removed from the fresh acid line and replaced with a blind flange. Operations will utilize the PI located on the pump discharge line for future readings. A routine visual inspection of all vents, bleeders, flanged connections, and PI's on the fresh acid system will be implemented.