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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Calcasieu Refining (3585), Lake Charles

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: No Information Given

Cause of Problem: Under Investigation

Kerosene product was discovered on the ground west of the kerosene salt dryers. The product, some of it floating on water, accumulated from a near by steam trap, was covering an area of approx. 800 sqft. At the time of the discovery, there was no continuing release of product outside of containment.

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

Notes/Remedial Actions

A vacuum truck that was already in the plant was utilized to recover all the kerosene and water in the affected area. The soil was removed by shovel on May 21 and stored in 16 55-gallon steel drums the rest was removed using hydro-evactation. All excavated soil will be hauled off-site for disposal in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Micro-Blaze (a product that degrades hydrocarbons) was also applied over the entire affected area. On May 27 an LDEQ representative conducted a field interview form which as of 9/17/14 we did not have access to. The cause of the release is still being investigated. At this time, it is believed that the release of kerosene was cause by the water dump valve on the kerosene salt dryer being stuck open for an extended amount of time. Until long ten corrective actions can be identified, draining of water from the kerosene salt dryers will be performed manually with an operator present while the water is being drained. There was no information given on the duration or the amount released.