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Shell Chemical East (26336), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #155753
State Police #14-01982
Accident Date2014-05-06
Report Date 2014-05-13
Follow-up Date 2014-06-06
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Propylene1d 11h 20mMotiva Enterprises Residue Cat Cracking UnitNONOYESBRQ

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures

On 5/6/2014, propylene from the fuel gas blend drum was flared at Shell Chemical's Utilities East (UE) Flare. Motiva Enterprises Residue Cat Cracking Unit (RCCU) unexpectedly had to route propylene to the UE Flare when the C3 Splitter Column at Shell Chemical's GO1 Unit was shut down to safely repair an unexpected leak on a transmitter line. Propylene from RCCU was diverted to the UE Flare to prevent the over pressuring of the fuel gas blend drum.

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

Propylene discharge originated from Motiva Enterprises RCCU and was flared due to maintenance on Shell Chemical's C3 Splitter Column.

Notes/Remedial Actions

To prevent the over-pressuring of the fuel gas blend drum, the propylene from the RCCU was diverted to the UE Flare. No information about actions taken to prevent future occurrence. Incident report LDEQ # 155756 also resulted from the shutdown of the C3 Splitter Column.