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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #132721
State Police #11-04383
Accident Date2011-07-23
Report Date 2011-07-29
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
Sulfur Dioxide2h 3mFlareNOYESNO1,010.0 pounds
Hydrogen Sulfide2h 3mFlareNONONOBRQ

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

On July 23, 2011 at approcimately 23:33 hours, a safety valve on the propane/polypropylene mix drum, D9007 relieved to the No. 1 Flare, resulting in intermittent flaring, and consequently resulting in emission of sulfur dioxide in excess of the reportable quantity of 500 lbs. Incident 11-04337 occurring on July 21, 2011 caused a buildup of hydrocarbons in the compressor seal water decreasing the capacity of the compressors which normally have the capacity to contain this volume.

Discharge Preventable - No

According to the follow-up notification letter submitted by Chalmette Refining L.L.C., this incident was not preventable. A previous incident caused a build up of hydrocarbons in the compressor seal water, decreasing the capacity of the compressors which normally have the capacity to contain volume. Pressure build up in the spheres occurred before the seal water could be changed out in the compressors causing the intermittent flaring. The venting could not be delayed as it would have been a safety issue.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The seal water on the FRM compressors was changed out as the hydrocarbon buildup contributed to the flaring. Pressure build up in the spheres occurred before the seal water could be changed out in the compressors causing intermittent flaring. The venting could not be delayed as it would have been a process safety issue. Flaring does not normally occur from these procedures.