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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Valero (26003), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

On 11/19/11, Valero was starting up the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) after a power failure tripped the unit. At approximately 2:30 am while start up was in progress, Valero made a notification of startup flaring and that the roof and seals of Tank 67-1 had been damaged resulting in elevated levels of Hydrogen sulfide. Benzene and VOCs being emitted. As a result of the damage of Tank 67-1, hydrogen sulfide and total VOC's including benzene and propylene may have exceeded their respected reportable quantities. Emission calculations for this event are pending and will be included in a subsequent report. Limits for opacity were exceeded in these flares #1 and #2. Liquid vapor pressure on T-67-1 exceeded 11.1 psi.

Discharge Preventable - Under Investigation

Under Investigation.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Emissions from the refinery flares and Tank 67-1 were lost to the atmosphere and dispersed. Tank Farm Operators moved quickly to inspect Tank 67-1 and activated vapor suppression safety equipment. Operational moves were made to isolate the tank from service and air monitoring was conducted in the tank farm, at the facility fence line, and west of the facility. Supression foam was placed on the tank roof to suppress any vapors and the tank contents were mixed with lower vapor pressure material in order to reduce the overall vapor pressure of the stored liquid. Utility Operators maximized steam to the refinery flares to mitigate visible emissions resulting from the ongoing FCCU startup. NO Ldeq, SPOC report. No follow up.