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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #140083
State Police #12-03307
Accident Date2012-05-26
Report Date 2012-06-01
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 Dioxide4h 35mNOYESNO5,769.0 pounds
Compressed Flammable Gas4h 35mNONOYES1,000.0 pounds
Hydrogen Sulfide4h 35mNONONO100.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

The facility experienced malfunctions when the high pressure waste gas system was shut down in the Coker unit, releasing sulfur dioxide to the flare. High Pressure Waste Gas System (HPWGS) compressors K402 and K406 were unavailable due to mechanical issues and the Flare Gas Management System was used instead. This usually works but the depropanizer surge drum water boot sprung a leak and heavy material entered the shut down HPWGS.

Discharge Preventable - No

Permittee reported that the release was unpreventable.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The high pressure waste gas system had been restored by the time of the LDEQ Incident Report.