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Motiva Enterprises (1406), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #135263
State Police #11-07116
Accident Date2011-11-15
Report Date 2011-11-18
Follow-up Date 2011-12-21
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Hydrogen Sulfide11 h 30 minlet to DEA overhead fan E-6402 in sulfur plant S-3NONONOBRQ

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket

On 11/15/11 at 2:00 am while performing unit sensory rounds in Sulfur Plant S-3, a Motiva operator discovered a small leak along a flange at the inlet to DEA overhead fan E-6402. The material released was sour water contained hydrogen sulfide and could be observed "bubbling" along the top of the gasket and dripping down the piping. The operator immediately notified his supervision and the Site Supervisor was contacted. An Emergency Work Order was created and Pressure Equipment Inspectors and pipefitters were dispatched to determine the condition of the equipment and to conduct repairs. The bolts were tightened on the flange and the leak stopped. Operations personnel continued to monitor the flange and no further leakage was observed.

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

No Information Given.

Notes/Remedial Actions

LDEQ conducted an onsite inspected the morning of 11/15/11. Offsite air monitoring along the perimeter of the facility showed no elevated levels of H2S in the air.