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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #155368
State Police #14-01727
Accident Date2014-04-19
Report Date 2014-04-25
Follow-up Date 2014-09-30
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Boron Triflouride1d 20h 30mExchanger at BRCP's Neo Acid unitNONONO6,133.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

On April 19, 2014 a tube plug failure was discovered on an exchanger at BRCP's Neo Acid unit resulting in a release of boron triflouride into the GFLA-5 cooling tower. Immediately upon discovery, the leaking exchanger was isolated. Approximately 6,133 pounds of boron triflouride were released as a result of this event. Initial reports stated that benzene was released. A report on 4/25/14 updates the pollutant to boron trifluoride.

Discharge Preventable - Yes

Notes/Remedial Actions

Immediately upon discovery, the leaking exchanger was isolated. The refinery plans to develop a strategy around Neo chilled water pH and increase the priority of the existing pH probe alarm.