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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #135902
State Police #11-07768
Accident Date2011-12-14
Report Date 2011-12-20
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
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)3h 5mPV vents in tank field on OXO vapor recovery systemNONOYES46.5 pounds
Methanol3h 5mPV vents in tank field on OXO vapor recovery systemNONOYES0.0 pounds
Methane3h 5mPV vents in tank field on OXO vapor recovery systemYESNOYES46.5 pounds
2,2,4-Trimethylpentane3h 5mPV vents in tank field on OXO vapor recovery systemNONOYES0.2 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

OXO vapor recovery system compressors malfunctioned causing an increase in the system pressure which resulted in tank vents opening to the atmosphere. Discharge check valve was leaking through causing the system to circulate and decrease the compressor's effectiveness. In combination with another event (11-07738) from the preceding 24 hours the RQ for flammable vapor was exceeded.

Discharge Preventable - No

This event was caused by an unanticipated compressor malfunction.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Inconsistency in reported quantities released. Initital SPOC verbal notification listed release of 403 lbs of Methane to the atmosphere through PV vents. This release occurred when a OXO vapor recovery system compressor tripped off which lead to the tank vents being opened. A spare compressor was used to reduce system pressure. The check valve was replaced, and the compressor internal cooler has been cleaned.