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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Marathon Ashland Petroleum (3165), Garyville

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure

During a heavy rainfall event on May 2, the electric sump pump on Dock 3A did not function properly. A dock operator found the oil and water mixture from the sump going onto the dock platform and into the Mississippi River. After an incident investigation, the root cause was identified as Equipment Difficulty/Design/Design Specs Need Improvement. The equipment that was improperly designed was the level indicator on the oily water sump - therefore the root cause per LABB's protocol is Instrument Failure.

Discharge Preventable - No

An incident investigation was completed and it was determined that the root cause was that the oily water sump level was not reading correctly. The level indication was reading no level. Maintenance performed preventative maintenance (PM) on the bubbler level system for the oily water sump on dock 3A prior to the incident on April 30 with no issues reported. The instrument box was opened to complete the PM. When the instrument box was opened on the day of the incident, May 2, the air tubing to the bubbler system was disconnected from the instrument, causing the level indication to read zero.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Once the spill was detected, all transfers on Docks 2, 3A, and 3B were terminated. Approximately 1300 feet of absorbent boom was deployed in the Mississippi River. A spare air pump was brought to the dock to pump the sump and oily water on the dock out. Absorbent pads were utilized to clean up oil that sprayed on, or was leaked on, the dock. The Refinery's Shift Emergency Response Team and Air Monitoring Teams along with ES&H were dispatched to assist with the containment, monitoring the cleanup activities. The next day, two US Coast Guard representatives witnessed the cleanup efforts. The area was monitored for emissions and odors, and the Air Monitoring Data can be found in attachment 1 of the attached PDF. The actions taken to prevent recurrence are to install secondary level indications on the oily water sumps on all docks. This recommendation is to be completed by January 15, 2014. No applicable air quality regulations were exceeded; however, the reportable quantity for oil spilled into a water-body was exceeded.