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Shell Chemical East (26336), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #145085
State Police #12-07646
Accident Date2012-12-02
Report Date 2012-12-06
Follow-up Date 2013-05-30
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Carbon Monoxide3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NOYESNO176,542.9 pounds
NOx3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONOYES32,445.7 pounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONOYES99,656.4 pounds
Butadiene3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONOYES6,341.0 pounds
Benzene3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONOYES2,859.1 pounds
Ethylbenzene3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONOYES508.2 pounds
Toluene3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONONO1,969.1 pounds
Xylene3d 16hOL-5 Elevated Flare (EPN 6-84)NONONO1,016.3 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

On December 2, 2012, Shell Chemical's OL-5 Process Unit experienced an unexpected leak of the Core Exchanger, which led to flaring at the OL-5 Elevated Flare to isolate the leaking exchanger, repair, and return it to service. The release began on December 2, 2012 at 6:15 AM and ended on December 6, 2012 at 11:55 PM. Repairs were made to the core exchanger and the unit was safely returned to normal operations conditions.

Discharge Preventable - No

The leak in the core exchanger was unpredictable.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The unit was secured and adjustments made to minimize flaring. Preparations were begun to complete repairs to the core exchanger. The flaring was stopped once the repairs were completed and the OL-5 process unit was safely restored to normal conditions. To prevent recurrence, maintenance practices were reviewed and improvements were made. Entire PDF report was not able to be uploaded. Contact LABB for the full report.