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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #151413
State Police #13-04417
Accident Date2013-10-05
Report Date 2013-10-11
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
Propylene1d 3h 52mEthylene Refrigeration CompressorNONOYES2,028.0 pounds
Ethylene1d 3h 52mEthylene Refrigeration CompressorNONOYES7,392.0 pounds
Butadiene1d 3h 52mEthylene Refrigeration CompressorNONOYES249.0 pounds
Nitrogen Oxide1d 3h 52mEthylene Refrigeration CompressorNOYESYES4,648.0 pounds
Sulfur Dioxide1d 3h 52mEthylene Refrigeration CompressorNOYESNO23,626.0 pounds
YESYESYES 

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Power Failure

On October 5, 2013 at approximately 9:15 Am, the Ethylene Refrigeration compressor motor shut down, causing material to be released to the site's flare gas system. Preliminary investigation indicates the electrical motor shut down due to momentary low voltage resulting from a bird landing on an electrical transformer and causing an electrical fault. A detailed investigation is underway to confirm the root cause of the power trip and determine recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Discharge Preventable - No

A bird landed on an electrical transformer, causing an electrical fault and shutting down the electrical motor and compressor. The refinery letter written on October 11, 2013 states that a detailed investigation is underway to confirm the root cause of the power trip and determine recommendations to prevent recurrence. As of February 12, 2014, LABB has been unable to locate a follow up document from the refinery citing such an investigation.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Feed was quickly and safely removed from furnaces upstream of the compressor to minimize the load on the flare system and emissions to the atmosphere. Air monitoring was conducted frequently on October 5, 2013 and all results were below the level of detection. A detailed investigation is underway to confirm the root cause of the power trip and determine recommendations to prevent recurrence.