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Accident # | 148977 |
PDF Available | ![]() |
State Police # | 13-02427 |
Accident Date | 2013-06-01 |
Report Date | 2013-06-06 |
Follow-up Date | 2013-07-29 |
Follow-up: | Yes |
Pollutant | Duration | Point Source | Greenhouse Gas | Criteria Pollutant | Ozone forming chemical | Amount of Release |
Benzene | 4d 5h 17m | OL-5 Exchange Unit E1970 | NO | NO | YES | BRQ |
Naphthalene | 4d 5h 17m | OL-5 Exchange Unit E1970 | NO | NO | YES | BRQ |
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons | 4d 5h 17m | OL-5 Exchange Unit E1970 | NO | NO | YES | BRQ |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | 4d 5h 17m | OL-5 Exchange Unit E1970 | NO | NO | YES | BRQ |
Gas Oil | 4d 5h 17m | WWTP system | NO | NO | NO | BRQ |
Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)
On June 1, a release of Benzene, Naphthalene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Volatile Organic Compounds occurred. The release was due to an unexpected leak on an OL-5 process unit 20lb Steam Regenerator Exchanger. The Norco Site Supervisor was notified by a st. Charles DEP deputy of an odor detected along highway 61. The leaking steam condensate entrained with CLGO (cracked light gas oil) hydrocarbon entered the storm water drain and the refinery conveyance system.
The refinery letter states this accident was caused by an "unexpected leak", but they do not classify it as not preventable.
At the time of the LDEQ verbal notification, in house monitoring levels of Benzene were 5.0 ppm. The material was removed from the storm water drains and conveyance systems and disposed of properly. Mr. White stated the product was being routed to an oily/water separator, thence to their WWTP system for treatment. They were "slabbing" the condensate as of approximately 1415 hours. Gas oil release is now ongoing and is going to effluent system and being picked up at their separator. The material was reported to have gone offsite - released to the air. Inside the facility air monitoring was between 6-10 ppm. There was no offsite protective action. The 24 hour update states the exchanger 1970 was taken off line which is what was leaking. Have contractors picking up the oil out of the F1 system.
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