Home Search Emissions Pollutants About the Database


Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #149561
State Police #13-03022
Accident Date2013-07-10
Report Date 2013-07-17
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
Sulfur Dioxide5h 45mFlareNOYESNO1,396.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures

On Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at approximately 0422 hours, the flare gas management (FGM) compressors began to lose suction intermittently due to mechanical issues. The root cause of the mechanical issues was determined to be residual high molecular wight material entrained in the flare gas compressor circulating water from the reported events on July 7, 2013. To mitigate long term issues, the circulating water was changed out in the system which resulted in the staging of the flare during the process.

Discharge Preventable - No

CRLLC determined that changing the circulation water for the FGM compressors was the only option to bring the compressors back to stable operation.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Emissions were minimized as much as possible and the FGM compressors were returned to normal operation as soon as possible. To mitigate long term issues, the circulating water was changed out in the system which requires the staging of the flare during this process. CRLLC claimed that no reportable quantities were exceeded during this event although they did release over 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide which is RQ.