Home Search Emissions Pollutants About the Database


ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #149602
tate Police #N/A
Accident Date2013-07-11
Report Date 2013-07-18
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
Oil40 mBlack Valve FlangeNONONO113.4 gallons

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket

On July 11, 2013, the Baton Rouge Refinery experienced an oil spill to soil at the West Complex of approximately 2.7 barrels. During a raffinate transfer, a leak developed on a block valve flange due to unbalanced gasket stress. Upon discovery, the transfer was immediately stopped and the line was steamed out. This event resulted in an exceedance of the LDEQ reportable quantity for oil to soil.

Discharge Preventable - No

This release was caused by unbalanced gasket stress as a result of thermal cycles.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Immediately upon discovery, mitigation measures were initiated, the spill source was isolated, and soil remediation began. Soil remediation was completed on July 13, 2013 at 4 pm. Gasket was replaced and thermal cycles will be reduced procedurally. The contaminated soil had been removed, and no groundwater impacts are expected.