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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #149525
State Police #13-02977
Accident Date2013-07-07
Report Date 2013-07-12
Follow-up Date 2013-09-11
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Sulfur Dioxide2 h 21 mFGM compressorNOYESNO1,854.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: No Information Given

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

On July 7, 2013, the flare gas management (FGM) compressors began to lose suction intermittently due to mechanical issues caused by high molecular weight material being routed to the compressors. A comprehensive investigation determined that controlled venting from Tk-9005 and a PSV leaking from the FCC Unit and relieving to the FGM system were the cause of the FGM compressor mechanical issues. The two identified sources were blocked in and the compressors were brought back online. Community monitoring was conducted during the event and all results were zero.

Discharge Preventable - Under Investigation

Controlled venting from TK-9005 to the flare gas recovery system has not historically caused mechanical issues with the flare gas compressors. Additionally, CRLLC is conducting a failure analysis of the FCC PSV and will provide the results in a 60-day follow up. The FCC PSV failure analysis is still being evaluated. Once completed the results will be provided in a subsequent 60-day follow up report. Louisiana Bucket Brigade has been unable to locate an additional follow up report after the September 11, 2013 letter as of February 5, 2013.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Emissions were minimized as much as possible and the FGM compressors were returned to normal operation as soon as possible. TK-9005 vent and the FCC PSV were blocked in to isolate the materials from being routed to the flare gas compressors.