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Shell Chemical East (26336), Norco
LDEQ Accident Report
| Accident # | 148877 |
| State Police # | 13-02276 |
| Accident Date | 2013-05-23 |
| Report Date | 2013-05-30 |
| 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 Monoxide | 12m | West Operations Elevated Flare (EPN 5-84) | NO | YES | NO | 62.6 pounds |
| Nitrogen Oxide | 12m | West Operations Elevated Flare (EPN 5-84) | NO | YES | YES | 11.5 pounds |
| Particulate Matter | 12m | West Operations Elevated Flare (EPN 5-84) | NO | YES | NO | 4.6 pounds |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | 12m | West Operations Elevated Flare (EPN 5-84) | NO | NO | YES | 39.2 pounds |
Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)
Cause of Problem: Process Upset
On May 23, an upset in the Shell Chemical's OP-1 process unit led to flaring at the West Operations Elevated Flare (EPN 5-84). The flaring was due to a high level in the Ethylene Refrigeration Compressor causing the compressor to shut down unexpectedly.
Discharge Preventable - Yes
Notes/Remedial Actions
OP-1 operations took the necessary steps to minimize flaring, restart the compressor and safely return the unit to normal operation conditions. Operation's support will provide additional guidance and operational measures to be more effective in controlling levels and restoring normal operations after a compressor shutdown. States that no reportable quantities were exceeded, but the maximum permit limits for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and VOCs were exceeded.
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