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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Motiva Enterprises (1406), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Weather

Bypass occurred at the SWIB at outfall 006 due to rainfall caused by Hurricane Isaac. The unanticipated bypass incident at the Storm Water Impoundment Basin spillway and permitted Outfall 006 was due to an upset condition and was cuased by thunderstorms and associated heavy rainfall from Hurricane Isaac.

Discharge Preventable - No

The facility described this event as an act of God, defined by LAC 33:IX:2701:N.1.

Notes/Remedial Actions

An unknown amount of rainwater was bypassed. The facility reported that all samples were collected as required by their permit and visual inspections showed no signs of adverse water quality of the storm water discharge during the bypass event. Extremely heavy rains from Hurricane Isaac were experienced in the Norco area. Site was initially able to contain the rainfall associated with this event and route it to the Refinery Wastewater Treatment System for treatment and subsequent discharge. The system storage capacity was reduced due to rainfall and the heavy rains continuing, the RWTS reached maximum capacity levels. Motiva opened the spillway to prevent flooding of the refinery and damage to the SWIB from over-topping of the retaining levee. Heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Isaac continued requiring the opening of permitted outfall. The spill way serves as the protection structure for the SWIB and is used to prevent and reduce flooing of the refinery during extreme rainfall events. The spillway discharges to Engineer's Canal and then to Lake Pontchartrain via a flood control structure through the St. Charles Parish Hurricane Protection Levee. Although tests confirmed the discharged stormwater was within LPDES permit limits, there may be some pollution from process area stormwater going untreated directly to outfall canal. No mention of any pounds or gallons.