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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #126093
State Police #10-00160
Accident Date2010-08-19
Report Date 2010-08-26
Follow-up Date 2010-12-16
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)1h 20mTank 6344NONOYES2,987.0 pounds
Gasoline1h 20mTank 6344 in the East TankNONOYES17,303.0 pounds

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Human Factors

LDEQ report states that a seven day follow report was received from the facility for a release that occurred stating that gasoline was released as a liquid to the roof of a tank and to the ground adjacent to the tank. The transfer of material into the tank was stopped and the roof drain closed. VOC emissions from the release exceeded reportable quantities. Report stated the release was not preventable by the facility investigating the root cause of the release. Operator checking equipment noticed gas smell. FOLLOW-UP: Report from facility states, that incident was preventable and resulted operators not following written procedures causing an uncalibrated level controller. Discharge was released to air.

Discharge Preventable - Yes

Operator error, not following proper written procedure caused an uncalibrated level controller.

Notes/Remedial Actions

RQ. LDEQ report states DEQ database was checked several times in November for a 60 day follow-up notification report. No report found in the systems. Chalmette Refinery environmental representative stated he was not aware of the 60 day notification requirement. The facility referred to circuit rider for not submitting a follow-up notification in accordance with LAC 33.I.3925.A.3. On 12/16/2010, the facility submitted a second follow-up notification report. The report states that the leak was preventable and was due to operators not following written procedures causing an uncalibrated level controller. The facility failed to have control facilities in place to prevent to overflow. This is an area of concern with LAC 33:III.905.Control Facilities to be Installed when Feasible."