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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #135259
State Police #11-07112
Accident Date2011-11-14
Report Date 2011-11-21
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 Dioxide8h 8mNo. 1 FlareNOYESNO5,296.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures

On November 14, 2011, the high pressure side waste gas compressors were down for scheduled piping replacement. At approximately 1705 hours, the Flare Gas Management (FGM) system compressors stalled, at which time gas that would have been routed to the FGM contractor, was instead routed to the No 1 Flare. The FGM system would have contained the release; however, the FGM seal water was contaminated with hydrocarbon, which is believed to have been a potential result of the Alky Feed PSV overpressure on November 5, 2011 reported under separate cover. The result was intermittent flaring at the No. 1 Flare through November 15, 2011, at 22:01 hours, consequently resulting in emissions of sulfur dioxide in excess of the reportable quantity of 500 lbs.

Discharge Preventable - No

Not preventable. The root cause was alkylation unit pressure relief valve being sent to the flare.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The seal water on the FGM compressors was changed out. CRLLC is investigating the root cause of the release. Based on the results of the Refinery's investigation, appropriate measures will be taken to minimize the likelihood of a recurrence.