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Shell Chemical East (26336), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #148901
State Police #13-02164
Accident Date2013-05-16
Report Date 2013-05-23
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
Carbon Monoxide3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNOYESNO36,792.2 pounds
Nitrogen Oxide3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNOYESYES6,761.8 pounds
Particulate Matter3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNOYESNO11,932.6 pounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONOYES11,114.4 pounds
1,3-Butadiene3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONOYES719.3 pounds
Benzene3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONOYES110.9 pounds
Methanol3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONOYES719.3 pounds
Toluene3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONONO7.6 pounds
Hexane3dWest Ops Elevated FlareNONONO279.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

On May 17,a release of carbon monoxide, ethane, and methane occurred due to flaring from a GO-1 unit upset caused by a De-methanizer shutdown. Unit feed composition caused unanticipated low temperature issues leading to a unit shutdown.

Discharge Preventable - No

Unexpected feed composition caused low temperature issues that led to a unit shutdown.

Notes/Remedial Actions

GO-1 operations took the necessary steps to safely return the unit to normal operating conditions and minimize flaring. Procedures will be updated to provide guidance and operational measures to restore normal operations after a unit shutdown.