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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge
Causal Factor: Piping or Tubing
| LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date |
Point Source(s) | Notes | Amount of Release |
| No LDEQ Reported 2005-12-23 | HCLA unit | Cause: pinhole leak in the HCLA D104 overhead line leaking to the atmosphere. Followup: No Notes: drum operating pressures were reduced to mitigate leak; report stated that repairs have been completed on this line; the inspection history will be reviewed and more frequent inspections will be performed if appropriate; the release was not preventable because the piping inspections were performed according to API code and the inspection did not indicate problems with the overhead system integrity | Flammable Vapor: 2,703.0 pounds |
| No LDEQ Reported 2005-12-01 | E-568 reboiler | Cause: leak in the E-568 reboiler Followup: No Notes: the exchanger was blocked out and the leaking tubes will be plugged; report stated this was not preventable because the exchanger was replaced in 1st quarter of 2003, with the previous bundle in service for 20 years; this bundle has previously leaked once due to suspected mechanical damage during installati | Benzene: 4.0 pounds Xylene: 114.0 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide: 4.0 pounds Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs): 111.0 pounds |
| 80362 2005-07-06 | undergound pipe | Cause: oil spill from an underground pipe. Followup: No Notes: the line suspected to be leaking was blocked and the free oil was cleaned up. When it was determined that a different line was leaking soil excavation and clean up continued until the leak source was determined. The leak was then clamped and clean up continued on the soil. | Crude Oil: 399.0 gallons |
| No LDEQ Reported 2005-05-18 | isopentane line | Cause: block valves in the line were closed allowing pressure to build up, causing a le Followup: No Notes: A block valve in the pipeband was opened allowing the line to return to its normal pressure; a visual cue will be placed on the valve in the pipeline to ensure thermal expansion is considered before valve is closed | Flammable Vapor: 1,440.0 pounds |
| No LDEQ Reported 2005-04-02 | wet gas scrubber purge line | Cause: purge line leak Followup: No Notes: It was determined that 65 gallons or 543 pounds of Wet Gas Scrubber Purge was released to the soil (which contained the 4 pounds of silica-alumina catalyst fines, 5 pounds of sulfites, and less than 0.1 pounds of ammonia; contaminated soil removed and remediated; approximately 12,000 pounds of soil were removed and sent to our SABRE Unit for recycling; this spill was reported as a result f an abundance of caution because a similar spill earlier in the week was reportable for 1000 pounds of a ld with an MSDS being released offsite- it was later determined that this spill was much smaller than the earlier reported incide | Silica Alumina: 4.0 pounds |
| 86248 2006-03-06 | E-515A exchanger on the No. 2 Light Ends Unit | Cause: The E-515A exchanger on the No.2 Light Ends Unit leaked hydrocarbon to a cooling tower. From the cooling tower the hydrocarbon was released to the atmosphere. Followup: No Notes: Remedial measures - The leaking tube on the exchanger will be plugged. In their letter to LDEQ, ExxonMobil states that LDEQ reportable quantities for propylene and butene were exceeded | Butene: 237.0 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide: 8.0 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 4.0 pounds Ethylene: 7.0 pounds Propylene: 193.0 pounds |
| 99374 2007-09-12 | Release FLARE-Flare #5,8,9,17,23 | Cause: c-101 Recycle Compressor on the HCLA unit shutdown due to an instrumentation tubing failure. Compressor trip activated the units emergency depressureization procedure. Followup: Yes Notes: The unit was depressurized immediately in accordance to emergency procedures. Tubing on the seal oil pump was replaced and properly connected. The investigation is ongoin so an appropriate follow up will be completed. Under Investigation. | Flammable Vapor: 108,748.0 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide: 3,891.0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 112,639.0 pounds Benzene: 313.0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide: 7,176.0 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide: 17.0 pounds Nitrogen Oxide: 127.0 pounds |
| 97340 2007-06-23 | steam line leak | Cause: leak in steam line Followup: Yes Notes: Under investigation/line was repaired and piping in area was visually inspected for similar occurences. Tail gas diverted from incinerators back to TGCU. | Sulfur Dioxide: 167,093.0 pounds |
| 97045 2007-06-13 | oil spill | Cause: water wash line developed a leak Followup: Yes Notes: Once leak discover the pumps were stopped and the water wash lines were purged of wax. | Slack Wax: 493.0 pounds |
| 93441 2007-01-23 | Leak | Cause: loose bolt on flange Followup: No Notes: Insulation pulled form #10 depropanizer reboiler and flange bolt tightened to stop leak | Butene: 290.0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 561.0 pounds Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs): 295.0 pounds |
| 110823 2008-11-16 | NIG | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, an underground line leak released alkylate. Followup: No Notes: This release is BRQ. | |
| 110822 2008-11-15 | NIG | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, a pinhole leak on a blow down line released jet fuel at 19 PPH as a liquid/vapor mixture. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. | |
| 110793 2008-11-14 | no information given | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, a leak on a white gas scrubber underflow line released process water with catalyst fines. Followup: No Notes: Potential impact to public due to the close proximity of leak to the rail line. Leak did reach railine but is non hazardous process water. Release is BRQ. | |
| 110551 2008-10-31 | NIG | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, a leak in an overhead piping of a coker drum spilt into the coker drum. Followup: No Notes: Coker drum was taken out of service. The release of an unspecified material was BRQ. | |
| 110234 2008-10-20 | benzene/waster line going to benzene waste NESHAP treatment system | Cause: A hole in a benzene/water line going to the benzene waste NESHAP treatment system leaked. Followup: No Notes: Exxon cut the flow to the line. The release was BRQ. | |
| 109998 2008-10-10 | unspecified 3" line | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, a leak under insulation on a 3" line released MEK and methyl isobutyl ketone. Followup: No Notes: Trying to strip the insulation to find the source. Release is BRQ. | |
| 109344 2008-09-19 | pull down line going to sewer from the Alkylation unit | Cause: A pinhole leak in a pull down line going to sewer from the Alkylation unit released vapors. Followup: No Notes: Insulation was removed from the line to initiate repairs. Release is BRQ. | |
| 109134 2008-09-15 | feed piping to sulfur recovery unit | Cause: According to the LDEQ incident report, a small leak under the insulation on feed piping to sulfur recovery unit leaked ammonia and H2S. Followup: No Notes: Insulation stripped to stop the leak. Release was BRQ. | |
| 107496 2008-07-24 | oil spill | Cause: Approximately 1.6 barrels of powerformer feed was discovered in the knoxfield separator, which is a tankfield stormwater collection sump. The exact source of this oil is unknown. When the Refinery experience heavy rainfall on July 24th, it is suspected that the oil was flushed through the soil, into the sewer, and onto the separator that leaked from a line on July 18th. Followup: No Notes: A 5 gallon leak to soil of a similar material was discovered on July 18th. The July 18th leak was secured and no evidence of additional oil was found in the immediate area. A sample of the oil found in the separator on July 24th was analyzed and the characteristics were similar to that of the material from the July 18th leak. It is suspected that some oil from the previous leak may have migrated through the soil and into the sewer leading to this separator. A vacuum truck picked up the oil in the separator. The separator is monitored for additional oil that may accumulate in the next few weeks after the spill occurred as a result of the rain flushing the oil out of the sewer. The line that was found leaking on July 18th will be permanently repaired. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 692.0 pounds Toluene: 14.0 pounds Xylene: 26.0 pounds Benzene: 2.0 pounds Crude Oil: 67.0 gallons |
| 107412 2008-07-19 | pinhole leak on line | Cause: Pinhole leak was discovered in a line. Followup: No Notes: At the time, they were trying to divert the flow from where the leak was. | |
| 107062 2008-07-09 | Cause: A hole developed underneath the insulation in piping which was cuasd by a leak. Followup: No Notes: The pipe has been blocked off and is being depressured. | ||
| 106937 2008-07-03 | piping | Cause: The insulated piping on the unit had a hole in the piping. Followup: No Notes: They brought the unit down and stripped the insulation to uncover the leak. Product is a distillate. Amount released is unknown. | |
| 106427 2008-06-15 | oil spill | Cause: Piping broke on a compressor. Followup: No Notes: Lube oil was released to concrete and sewer system. No reportable quantities were exceeded. | |
| No LDEQ Reported 2008-06-06 | None Reported | Cause: leaking line Followup: No Notes: incident report due to potential impact to public due to the close proximity to railroad. Material did not leak to rail line. | |
| 106069 2008-06-01 | leaking pipe | Cause: Acid gas leaking from a pipe. Followup: No Notes: The line will need to be blocked at some point. Had to locate the source of the leak first. | |
| 105508 2008-05-12 | Fee line | Cause: There was a leaking fee line to a reactor emitting gases to the air. Followup: No Notes: At time of SPOC report, unsure of how long it will take to resolve the small leak. | |
| 105358 2008-05-04 | pipe fitting | Cause: There was a pin hole leak in a pipe fitting leaking a flammable liquid. Followup: No Notes: The pipe is in an area that requires special equipment to reach, requiring having to get someone to come out and make the repairs. Flammable liquid that was leaked is described as power forming feed. | |
| 105246 2008-04-30 | piping | Cause: There was a hole in some piping. Followup: No Notes: Isobutane is being released from that hole. ExxonMobil planned to either plug the hole or clamp it. Release of isobutane occurred at 64 pounds per hour. | Isobutane: 64.0 pounds |
| 105191 2008-04-29 | overhead piping in LELA Unit | Cause: A pinhole leak occurred on the overhead piping in the LELA Unit. Followup: No Notes: Release is estimated at 3.2 pounds per hour. Personnel were currently working to see how to isolate the line at time of SPOC report. | |
| 104934 2008-04-19 | oil spill | Cause: A leak on small piping was discovered. Followup: No Notes: The valves were isolated to stop the leak and a vacuum truck was called in for clean up. | |
| 104518 2008-04-07 | gasoline spill | Cause: Pinhole leak occurred in a line in the Knox tank farm area. Followup: No Notes: The leak went into the oil. Some may have vaporized to the air. | |
| 104428 2008-04-02 | Cause: Leak on a small line at the alkylation unit occurred. Followup: No Notes: They were in the process of depressurizing the line and as well as other actions to secure the line. They will need to clamp the line to repair. | ||
| 103931 2008-03-14 | Cause: A lead line on the analyzer developed a small leak from the threads. It's located on the Light ends unit. Followup: No Notes: Amount of chemicals released is unknown. | ||
| 103479 2008-02-27 | Leak/safety valve leak | Cause: leak occurred in safety valve due to a crack in valve/Under Investigation Followup: Under Investigation Notes: Pump was shut down and immediately blocked to stop release. Vacuum truck began to pick up pooled oil and soil remediation was initiated. Piece of cracked piping was removed and sent off for further investigation. | Crude Oil: 46.0 gallons |
| 102233 2008-01-11 | Flange leak | Cause: Followup: No Notes: DEQ detected vapors containing pollutants with a HAWK camera after receiving odor complaint from citizen. Leaking flange was replaced on 01/11/08. See citizen complaint 01/10/08,Incident #10221 | |
| 111783 2008-01-05 | Cause: Leak occurred. No further information given. Followup: No Notes: RQ were not exceeded. No further information given. | ||
| 101896 2007-12-06 | None Reported | Cause: Other Followup: Yes Notes: Written report from Exxon Mobile surrounding the Ammonia Acid Gas flaring incident stating the release of Hydrogen Sulfide due to a leak in the pressure control valve as well as a fault in the wiring system. Report states that wiring pairs have been replaced. An alarm will be placed to alert Console Operator when valve is in the open position to allow Acid gas to flow to flare. Long term improvements to upgrade the control of devices to a more robust control connection. Finally evaluate controles to be managed on a regular interval. | |
| 119907 2009-12-05 | NIG | Cause: Leak occurred on piping. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. There is a date difference on company report (Dec. 5, 2009) and State Police HAZMAT report (Dec. 7, 2010). | |
| 119697 2009-11-24 | NIG | Cause: Leak occurred. No further information provided. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. LABB only has access to refinery report. | |
| 127398 2009-11-03 | No Information Given | Cause: There was a pinhole leak in a pipe releasing benzene, VOC, xylene, and flammable gas. Followup: No Notes: The Unit was Shut Down. Below Reportable Quantities | |
| No LDEQ Reported 2009-10-20 | No Information Given | Cause: leak occurred. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. | |
| 118665 2009-10-12 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak occurred. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. LABB only has access to refinery report. | |
| 118637 2009-10-10 | No Information Given | Cause: Sample showed potential for hydrocarbon leak. No further information provided. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. Sheen was observed in final containment, but none was discarhged into the Mississippi River. | |
| 119021 2009-10-10 | spent catalyst line | Cause: Leak occurred in spent catalyst lines. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. Evaluating to make repairs. | |
| 118103 2009-09-22 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak into cooling tower. Followup: Yes Notes: RQ not exceeded. Isolating exchanger to determine leaking substance. | |
| 118014 2009-09-16 | channel box | Cause: Light cyclic oil leak found on channel box. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. Exxon turned steam ring off and raised temperature to stop leak. | |
| 117818 2009-09-07 | pipe | Cause: Leak from pipe near Ave I and 16th Street. Followup: No Notes: Release exceeded RQs. Line isolated and vacuum truck recovered majority of release. Line will be replaced with flanged spool piece. Contaminated soil will be removed. | Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 2.1 pounds Oil: 239.4 pounds |
| 117732 2009-09-04 | No Information Given | Cause: A pinhole leak was found and repaired. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. | Hydrogen Sulfide: 576.0 pounds |
| 117096 2009-08-06 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak occurred, but no information provided about the cause. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. Secured leak and will de-pressurize line then replace pipe. LABB does not have access to the LDEQ incident report. | |
| No LDEQ Reported 2009-08-03 | No information given. | Cause: Leak occurred. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. | |
| 116840 2009-07-28 | Alkyl Unit | Cause: Ongoing pinhole leak in piping in Alkyl Unit. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. Blocked the hole, but continues to leak gas. | |
| 116327 2009-07-09 | No Information Given | Cause: A Leak occurred on a line in the refinery. Followup: No Notes: RQ potentially exceeded. After De-pressurizing and putting water on it, the situation was under control. LABB only has access to the SPOC verbal report. No information provided about how much material was released. | |
| 116052 2009-06-27 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak occurred in coker from thermowell. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. | |
| 115217 2009-05-26 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak occurred under tower insulation in piping. Followup: No Notes: Initial reports indicate that release of VOCs and Benzene could exceed RQ, but refinery letter assures the release was BRQ. | |
| 114636 2009-05-01 | No Information Given | Cause: Leak occurred on pipe going to analyzer. Followup: No Notes: This release is BRQ. | |
| 114187 2009-04-16 | 7&8 Separator | Cause: Water spilled out of a 7&8 separator due to a pinhole leak in the separator. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. | Hazardous Waste: 3.0 gallons |
| 113145 2009-02-28 | No Information Given | Cause: According to the SPOC verbal report, a pinhole leak in a pipeline released nonliquefied hydrocarbon gas. Followup: No Notes: RQ not exceeded. | |
| 112927 2009-02-20 | no information given | Cause: A leak on the bottom of a suction line to a tank released oil. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. | |
| 112756 2009-02-14 | pipe to depropanizer tower on V-line | Cause: According to the SPOC verbal report, a piping leak on the depropanizer tower on V-line caused a release. Followup: No Notes: Blocked line out to secure. Release is BRQ. | |
| 112606 2009-02-08 | Coker Feed Pump: P-6 | Cause: Leak occurred because a stream of cold feed entered the suction of the pump. When the cold stream reached the pump, the pump began to cavitate, causing excess vibration. The vibration caused a line coming off of the pump to break. Followup: No Notes: The failed piping will be replaced with an upgraded class to withstand future upsets of this nature. Contaminated soil has been remediated and disposed of properly. The RQs for PAHs and oil to soil was exceeded. | Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 3.6 pounds Oil: 121.8 pounds |
| 128095 2010-12-10 | weld | Cause: Crack in a weld caused a small fire that burned SO2. Followup: No Notes: A box was placed around the cracked weld to repair the leak and nitrogen was used to maintain an extinguished flame. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. This release is BRQ. | Sulfur Dioxide: 100.0 pounds |
| 127996 2010-12-06 | No Information Given | Cause: Possible gas leak into water heading for the cooling tower, releasing the gas into the air. Followup: No Notes: This release was Below Reportable quantities [BRQ]. | |
| 127792 2010-11-23 | Underground line | Cause: Leak in underground line of finished diesel. Followup: No Notes: This release is reportable quantity. Refinery letter states that reportable quantities were exceeded for oil to soil. Excavated to find source of leak, clamped line, Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil from the ground, and full site remediation will be completed. Spill was contained on-site. | Diesel Fuel: 226.8 gallons |
| 127778 2010-11-20 | distillate line from a coker | Cause: Pinhole leak on a distillate line from a coker. Followup: No Notes: This release is BRQ. ExxonMobil caught liquid material in bucket and some evaporated. A block was added on the line, and ExxonMobil are currently depressurizing the line for repair." | Benzene: 1.0 gallons |
| 127568 2010-11-06 | No information given | Cause: An underground Heavy Coker Gas Oil line leaked, spilling oil into the soil. Followup: No Notes: Exxon states that vacuum trucks removed oil. The contaminated soil will be disposed of properly. Clamp was placed on line until it can be permanently repaired. This release exceeded RQs for oil to soil. | Oil: 130.2 gallons |
| 127397 2010-11-01 | No Information Given | Cause: A pinhole leak was discovered in a pipeline. Followup: No Notes: The line was isolated and the leak was secured. This release is below reportable Quantity. | |
| 127057 2010-10-14 | no information given | Cause: LDEQ report states that there was a pinhole leak in jet fuel pipping, causing misting in air. Followup: No Notes: This release was Below reportable quantities [BRQ]. | |
| 126972 2010-10-06 | Pipestill Unit PSLA-9 | Cause: Pipestill Unit PSLA-9 leaked 50.4 gallons of light virgin-gas oil to the soil, as line was being prepared for mechanical work. Followup: No Notes: The line was isolated so that the release will end, and residual material was collected in a bucket. Same incident as Incident #128798. LDEQ filed same written report twice, under both #126972 and #128798. This release is RQ, | Virgin Gas Oil: 50.4 gallons |
| 126814 2010-10-01 | Hydro Finers Unit | Cause: Hydrogen leak in Hydro Finers Unit. Followup: No Notes: Isolated section of line. This release was below reportable quantities. | |
| 126685 2010-09-26 | Hydrocracker unit | Cause: Hydrogen sulfide leak in hydrocracker unit set off alarm. Followup: No Notes: Shut down pump and depressurized--no further details given. This release was BRQ. | |
| 126200 2010-09-07 | No Information Given | Cause: A 4 inch pipe to an air line was severed releasing carbon monoxide. Followup: No Notes: No reportable quantities were exceeded. The pipe was isolated. | |
| 126085 2010-09-01 | unspecified pipeline | Cause: Gasoline leak to pavement at PPL sample station in a pipe coming from a tank leading to the docks. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. Refinery letter states that no reportable quantities were exceeded. Leak was stopped, no details given. | Gasoline: 20.0 gallons |
| 125825 2010-08-21 | no information given | Cause: A Leak at a pipe union caused a release of butane and pentane. Followup: No Notes: No further information given. | |
| 125762 2010-08-19 | Alky line to depropylizer feed | Cause: An Alky line to depropylizer feed leaked. Followup: No Notes: Line blocked & depressurized. This release was BRQ. | |
| 125438 2010-08-06 | Reboiler tube | Cause: There was a reboiler tube leak and flammable gases were released. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. No information given. | |
| 125358 2010-08-02 | Crude Oil Unit: #9 pipeline | Cause: A small leak occurred under insulation on the Number 9 pipe still at the crude oil unit. A tower developed a small hole resulting in a fire at point of release. Fire burned twenty minutes. Followup: No Notes: This release was BRQ. | |
| 124763 2010-07-09 | Pipeline | Cause: Pipeline was leaking. Monitoring ongoing. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. Refinery states that "not enough leaked for exceedances. Remediation completed. No offsite leaking occurred." | |
| 124370 2010-06-22 | heat exchanger bundle in hydrocracker unit [HCU] | Cause: Leak in heat exchanger [tubing] bundle in the hydrocracker unit. H2S monitor went off. Followup: No Notes: A new bundle has been ordered and present one will continue to operate as the RQ not exceeded. LABB only has access to the LDEQ report. | Hydrogen Sulfide: 21.0 pounds Flammable Volatile Organic Compounds: 705.0 pounds |
| 124246 2010-06-17 | wastewater pipeline | Cause: There is a pinhole leak in wastewater pipeline. Followup: No Notes: Clamp installed to stop the leak. This release was BRQ. LABB only has access to the SPOC and LDEQ incident report. | |
| 124028 2010-06-08 | no information given | Cause: A line developed leak, and water had traces of ammonia & some cat cracker catalyst. Followup: No Notes: A water clamp was applied. Spill was below reportable quantities. LABB only has access to the LDEQ and SPOC reports. | |
| 123916 2010-05-31 | Underground Crude Line | Cause: Oil was spilled due to a leak in an underground crude line. Oil was discovered on the ground. Followup: No Notes: This release is RQ. Absorbent pads and vacuum trucks were used to remove the oil, and excavated soil will be disposed of properly. The pipe was clamped and evacuated. There are no plans to return the line to service. | Oil: 394.8 pounds |
| 123706 2010-05-25 | no information given | Cause: Crack in weld off of a gas line. Followup: No Notes: Steaming it to prevent ignition, and shut tower down. No RQs exceeded. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. | |
| 123402 2010-05-12 | heat exchanger E-578 | Cause: T-570 reboiler [tubing] bundle in heat exchanger E-578 leaked at the #2 Light Ends Unit. Followup: No Notes: Leak isolated, blocked away, and exchanger shut down to stop the leak. No information provided regarding the amount of material released or if release was RQ. LABB only has access to LDEQ incident report. | |
| 123223 2010-05-04 | Unfinished Jet Fuel Line | Cause: LDEQ Spill Report states that oil was spilled due to a leak in an underground, unfinished jet fuel line. Followup: No Notes: RQ. Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil, and contaminated soil was placed in roll-off boxes. The line was CLAMPED to prevent future leaks. Refinery letter also states that there were "no offsite impacts, injuries, or complaints as a result of this incident." | Oil: 1,344.0 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 9,727.0 pounds |
| 122930 2010-04-21 | D902 drum | Cause: Crack in a weld on the D902 drum leaked flammable vapors.
The leak continues in incident #122931 and results in RQ exceedance. However, in this specific report, the release is still BRQ. Followup: No Notes: Drum isolated and depressurized, and the section of the pipe was modified to prevent occurrence. Initial estimates indicate that 2400 pounds of flammable vapors were released, but a later report ensures that only 416 pounds were released. This release is BRQ. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. | |
| 122931 2010-04-21 | D902 drum | Cause: Continued leaking of flammable volatile organic compounds from crack in weld on D902 drum.
Same issue as incident #122930. Continuation of incident caused reportable quantities [RQ] to be exceeded. Followup: No Notes: Drum isolated and depressurized, and the section of the pipe was modified to prevent occurrence. Sector pipe removed and modified to prevent recurrence. 2,500 pounds of flammable VOCs release which exceeds RQ. Initial estimates indicate that 2400 pounds of flammable vapors were released, but a later report ensures that only 416 pounds were released. This release for flammable vapors is BRQ. Incident #122930 refers to flammable vapor, incident #122931 refers to flammable VOCs. Including release of flammable VOCs, not flammable vapors, in database. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. | Flammable Volatile Organic Compounds: 2,500.0 pounds |
| 122773 2010-04-13 | no information given | Cause: Underground line leaked diesel fuel and exceeded RQ. Followup: No Notes: A clamp was placed on line to prevent further leaking, spill vacuumed, and contaminated soil removed. 4 barrels of diesel released which is above the RQ value. | Diesel Fuel: 168.0 gallons |
| 122703 2010-04-12 | pipe | Cause: A diesel oil spill. An eight inch pipe ruptured releasing approximately 25 barrels of diesel impacting soil. Report states that spill was contained on-site. Followup: No Notes: RQ. Letter states that a clamp was installed on the ruptured pipe, and the pipe was de-inventoried to prevent further release. Vacuum trucks removed oil from nearby sewers and diesel impacted soil was excavated for disposal. No injuries, fires or road closures were reported as a result of this incident. | Diesel Fuel: 1,050.0 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 7,897.0 pounds |
| 121935 2010-03-06 | No Information Given | Cause: Worker noticed oil sheen under the dock at #2 berth. A leak from the middle cluster drain pan allowed 7.9 gallons of oil to leak into the Mississippi River. The oil was contained between two pipes running at water level. Followup: No Notes: Absorbent pads and boom used to contain and clean up. This release is BRQ. | Oil (Sheen): 7.9 gallons |
| 121241 2010-02-03 | no information given | Cause: Pipe leaked isopropyl alcohol. This release is BRQ. Followup: No Notes: LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. | |
| 120883 2010-01-20 | #12 de-propanizer | Cause: Leak on a 3/4" pipeline at the #12 depropanizer. Instrument from feed drum leaking at elbow of line. Followup: No Notes: Release is BRQ. Line isolated and secured. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. | |
| 120747 2010-01-13 | Transfer line to furnace | Cause: Transfer line to furnace leaked & caused a flash fire. FIRE. Followup: No Notes: Line isolated, fire put out. State Police Hazmat report only. No LDEQ report or Refinery letter. | |
| 120700 2010-01-10 | number 10 Pipe - Still Unit | Cause: Pipeline leaked wastewater with benzene to the pavement. Followup: No Notes: Release was BRQ. Could be same freeze-related problem as DEQ #120677 from the same day involving a leaking of wastewater and benzene, but is unclear given incomplete information provided. | |
| 135690 2011-12-01 | Exchanger E-527 | Cause: Exxon attempted to contact the State Police and the LDEQ but got busy signals. During this event exchanger, E-527, at 3 Light Ends experienced a tube leak. Followup: No Notes: ExxonMobil is in process of repairing leak of exchanger. 310 pounds of flammable vapor was released and no RQs were exceeded. | Flammable Vapor: 310.0 pounds |
| 135174 2011-11-09 | Naphtha line NIG | Cause: This LDEQ incident report documents two separate Benzene and VOC releases.
The first release of Benzene occurred at 10:00 on 11/9/11 was due to a pinhole leak in a Naphtha line.
The second release of VOCs with a percentage of Benzene which occurred at 10:10 the same day and secured within approximately ten seconds later via an automatic safety valve. The unit was shutdown for repair. This incident was caused by a process upset. Followup: No Notes: The first incident was resolved when a clamp was placed to contain the leak. The second incident was resolved when a safety valve kicked in and the unit was shut down. Air monitoring in the area by Exxon showed non-detect for both incidents. The leak that occurred in the first incident released 9 gallons of material with a 1.2% weight of benzene. This is below reportable quantity. The second incident released more than 1,000 pounds of VOCs and flammable vapors, but they were released into a cooling tower and this did not vent into the atomsphere. Since nothing vented into the atmosphere, this release is below reportable quantity. An initial notification indicated that more than 10 pounds of benezene had been released which is RQ. LABB does not have access to the refinery's incident report. | Benzene: 9.0 gallons |
| 135124 2011-11-08 | Fuel Gas line to KDLA unit | Cause: A pinhole leak was discovered on a 6 inch fuel gas line going to the KDLA unit. Followup: Yes Notes: An engineered clamp was installed over the leak. Area monitoring was conducted and all readings were below detection limits. Follow-up letter contained initial report with the addition of emission calculations for the event. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 73.6 pounds Flammable Vapor: 356.0 pounds Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs): 13.6 pounds |
| 134402 2011-10-05 | E-2 Condenser into CT 18 | Cause: On 10/5/11 at approximately 7:25 pm, the Baton Rouge Refinery discovered a release. A leak was discovered by operations personnel during structured rounds at the Pipestill #9 Unit. The release source was determined by a cooling tower, and investigation determined that heat exchangers in the E-2 bank were allowing hydrocarbon to enter the cooling water system. Upon discovery, personnel lowered the E-2 hydrocarbon pressure. By maintaining the hydrocarbon pressure below the cooling water pressure, hydrocarbon will not be released into the water. Gas testing performed in the area confirms that the release ended when the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered. Review of Pipestill #9 operations indicate the release likely began around noon on 10/5. Followup: No Notes: Weather conditions at the time of this release: 87 degrees, 6 mph wind from the east, no precipitation. To end the release, the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered, By maintaining the tower pressure below the cooling water pressure, hydrocarbon will not be released into the water. To prevent recurrence, the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered. The computer control system has been adjusted to minimize the tower pressure. A permanent bundle repair will be completed the next time the exchangers are removed from service. Reportable quantities of benzene and naptha were exceeded. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 1,441.7 pounds n-Hexane: 111.3 pounds Cyclohexane: 32.2 pounds Benzene: 25.8 Xylene: 0.6 pounds Toluene: 0.6 pounds |
| 134164 2011-09-23 | #9 depropanizer overhead line | Cause: A pinhole leak at #3 Light Ends Unit in the #9 Depropanizer Overhead line released propylene and flammable vapors. Followup: No Notes: Upon discovery, personnel began working to isolate and depressurize the line to a recovery system. The RQ for propylene was exceeded. | Propylene: 423.0 pounds |
| 134110 2011-09-22 | Underground crude line | Cause: Oil was discovered on the ground, and excavation revealed that there was a pinhole leak in an underground crude line. Followup: No Notes: Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil, soil was being re-mediated, and a clamp was placed on the pipe to prevent further release. All of the release was contained onsite.5051lbs of total VOC released with the addition of Benzene and Naphthalene at 59 lbs and 179 lbs respectively. The Total of Other VOCs that do not include Benzene and Naphthalene is 4813lbs but still exceeds the reportable quantity for the EPA and LDEQ. RQ for Oil is 42gal, Benzene is 10 lbs, VOC is 5000 lbs, and Naphthalene is 100 lbs. | Oil: 494.6 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 4,813.0 pounds Benzene: 59.0 pounds Naphthalene: 179.0 pounds |
| 133841 2011-09-04 | Tower T2B | Cause: A pinhole leak on tower T2B resulted in a release of flammable gas from tower inlet line. Followup: No Notes: The inlet line was isolated 1.5 hours after release discovery and approximately 25 pounds of n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were released. No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. | N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone: 25.0 pounds |
| 133608 2011-09-01 | Exchanger E-527 at Light Ends Unit #3 | Cause: A leaking tube in exchanger E-527 at Light Ends Unit 3 (LEU3) reboiler is leaking hydrocarbon into an atmospheric condensate drum which is allowing material to reach the atmosphere. Followup: No Notes: The site plans to remove and/or repair the exchanger to eliminate root cause of leak. This release is ongoing, but after further evaluation. Exxon has determined that no RQs are being exceeded. | |
| 132899 2011-08-04 | Fuel oil line | Cause: Operations found an oil stain found on gravel, and further investigation revealed that leak was coming from a fuel oil line that held low sulfur fuel oil. Followup: No Notes: To end the event. the line was removed from service. No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. | Fuel: 26.0 gallons Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 0.5 pounds |
| 132414 2011-07-14 | underground pipe leak E-700f and RHLA-1 underground pipe leak | Cause: An underground line of cat naphtha is leaking. This release was discovered while digging around the pipe. Approximately 3.5 barrels of oil and 9 lbs of benzene leaked from an underground pipe. Additionally, there was a release at the RHLA-1 unit of 7 lbs of benzene from the channel box of E-700F, with makes a total release of 16 lbs of benzene. This amount it reportable quantity. Followup: No Notes: Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil as it was release, and soil remediation was completed by 7/15/11. The underground pipe and RHLA-1 will be repaired. This release was reportable quantity. | Benzene: 16.0 pounds Oil: 514.5 gallons |
| No LDEQ Reported 2011-06-28 | Steam Pipe | Cause: Upon discovery it was believed release was coming from piping containing hydrocarbon, however pipe ended up being a steam line and steam was the material release. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. Steam was the only material released. Refinery letter only. No LDEQ report. | |
| 131965 2011-06-23 | Pin hole leak in piping | Cause: A pin hole leak was found in a piece of piping connected as discharge from the Hydro Cracker Effluent. Followup: No Notes: No information given regarding remedial action. CO monitor was used to detect the hydrogen leak and read 600ppm. BRQ | |
| 129059 2011-02-04 | Insulated Pipe Band | Cause: A leak of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone developed in an insulated pipe band. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. The unit was shut down. Fluid was collected with absorbent pads. The process unit was evacuated to investigate the incident. Containment of the spill and very low vapor pressure properties of the material prevented any impact on the environment. | |
| 128754 2011-01-21 | Unspecified tubes | Cause: LDEQ states that catnaptha was leaking out of tubes into a furnace and burning. A black smoke was produced by the burning, which was visible outside the plant. There was a fire inside the furnace. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. The furnace was isolated. | |
| 128479 2011-01-05 | Feeder Line | Cause: LDEQ states that an unknown quantity of propane was released due to a hole in the feeder line. Followup: No Notes: BRQ. No Information Given. Refinery letter states that "due to prompt incident response, no reportable quantities were exceeded." | |
| 145413 2012-12-17 | piping going to the PCLA unit F-301 furnace | Cause: There is a gasket leak on a furnace. After further investigation, a crack was discovered in the piping going to the PCLA unit F-301 furnace is releasing 142 pounds per day of sulfur dioxide. After further evaluation, the facility determined that no RQs were exceeded (that determination was impossible at the time of this report because the relase was still ongoing).
According to the facility's verbal notification the materials released to the air did go offsite. Followup: No Notes: 142 pounds per day of SO2 is being released as a result of this event (at the time of this report there were 2 days of release). The total amount released from this event will be reported in the 60 day follow up notification. | Sulfur Dioxide: 284.0 pounds |
| 141659 2012-07-30 | Clamp of the discharge piping from MKC-02 propylene refrigeration compressor at the EPLA-W unit | Cause: Due to vibration of the piping, there was a leak on the clamp of the discharge piping from MKC-02 propylene refrigeration compressor at the EPLA-W unit.
As of 08/06/12, the event is ONGOING, and releasing approximately 6.24 pounds per day of propylene. Followup: No Notes: Upon discovery, the clamp was pumped with sealant to reduce the leak rate. The clamp continues to be pumped with sealant to reduce the leak rate. ExxonMobil and the clamp vendor are continuing efforts to improve clamp efficiency. Periodic leak monitoring will be conducted during normal operational rounds. A 60-day follow-up letter will be submitted, summarizing the permanent repairs. | Propylene: 2,073.4 pounds Flammable Vapor: 2,973.4 pounds |
| 140658 2012-06-20 | NIG Line 8141 | Cause: A leak was discovered on line 8141 that released 1 cup of caustic to the gravel. The pinhole leak sprayed a mist of sodium hydroxide on a number of pipes. During the clean-up process of this leak, approximately 5 gallons of water/caustic mixture was released onto the railroad. Followup: No Notes: In the police report, the refinery representative stated that they were going to clean up the spill themselves by using a vacuum truck to vacuum up the water. If it was found to be necessary, they would also scrap the soil at that location. | Wash Water: 5.0 gallons |
| 140589 2012-06-16 | Butane A-line | Cause: There was a pinhole leak in the butane A-line. Two days later, when the leak had been secured, the line was pressured back up, and another leak was discovered. Followup: No Notes: On 6/14/12, the line was depressurized, and the leak was repaired. On 6/16/12, when the line was pressured back up, another pinhole leak was discovered. This leak was secured after 1h 20m. | |
| 140512 2012-06-15 | Alkylation Unit, safety valve release header outlet line | Cause: A pinhole leak was discovered on the safety valve release header outlet line on the Alkylation Unit. Followup: No Notes: Due to prompt incident response, ExxonMobil has determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 2.8 pounds |
| 137984 2012-03-16 | Pipe band on PCLA unit | Cause: A pinhole leak was discovered on the top of a pipe band on the PCLA unit. Followup: No Notes: Due to prompt incident response, no RQs were exceeded. LABB does not have access to the LDEQ or SPOC reports. 158 pounds of flammable vapor, .44 pounds of benzene, and .05 pounds of 1,3-butadiene were released as a result of this event. | Flammable Vapor: 158.0 pounds Benzene: 0.4 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 0.1 pounds |
| 137391 2012-02-22 | Unspecified 3/4" line | Cause: A leak was discovered on a 3/4" line. No other information given. Followup: No Notes: The line was isolated and the leak was secured. Initially, 10 lbs of benzene, 10 lbs of 1,3-butadiene, and 1000 lbs of flammable vapors were reported as being released, but in the written report, Exxon reports that only 209.22 pounds of flammable vapor, 0.85 pounds of benzene, and 0.14 pounds of 1,3-butadiene was released. | Flammable Vapor: 209.2 pounds Benzene: 0.9 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 0.1 pounds |
| 137177 2012-02-14 | Underground pipeline | Cause: While completing routine rounds, an operator discovered oil on the ground. Upon investigation, the source of the leak was determine to be an unground line. A pinhole leak developed in the pipeline. Followup: No Notes: The pipeline was isolated, and soil remediation was completed. | Gasoline: 2.0 gallons |
| 137020 2012-02-05 | Underground coker feed line | Cause: Oil was discovered seeping up from the ground due to a leak in an underground coker feed line. Followup: Yes Notes: The line segment that developed the leak was removed from service and demolished. Excavation and soil remediation have been completed. Permanent isolation/repair of affected piping was completed by removing from service the line segment that developed the leak. The oil is a coker feed stream which has a high viscosity and does not migrate. The hydrocarbon material has been removed and all contaminated soil is disposed. SPOC and verbal report state that 15 gallons of Resid was released, but not mentioned in written report. | Oil: 84.0 gallons Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 2.6 pounds |
| 136936 2012-02-02 | Flow meter lead line | Cause: Operator discovered a pinhole leak on a flow meter lead line, which was releasing propane. Followup: No Notes: The line was isolated and depressured. In the initial report, it was estimated that more than 1000 pounds of propane were released. However, after further evaluation, ExxonMobil determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. | Flammable Vapor: 176.4 pounds |
| No LDEQ Reported 2013-12-23 | #3 Berth | Cause: On December 23, 2013, at approximately 11:55, a dock worker reported oil in the water under the #3 berth. Approximately 3 gallons of heavy fuel oil was released to the water, all material was recovered. Followup: No Notes: No incident report # due to "Below RQ" status NRC #1069314 All dock operations were suspended and a clamp was installed on the line to stop the leak. Work is ongoing to complete a permanent repair prior to returning the line to service. In response to the spill, booms were deployed at #2 and #3 berth to contain the oil. *****A reference to this incident was illustrated in LDEQ Incident Report #153896 where it is stated, "On December 23, 2013, at approximately 3:39 p.m., a dock worker reported oil in the water under the #2 berth. All dock operations were suspended and a clamp was installed on the line to stop the leak. Work is ongoing to complete a permanent repair prior to returning the line to service. In response to the spill, a tarp was deployed at #2 berth to contain the oil. Less than 1 cup of AC 100 Lube Oil was released to the water." | Oil: 3.0 gallons |
| 152167 2013-11-05 | No Information Given | Cause: Approximately 38 gallons of oil were released to soil due to a leak in the line in an elevated piped band near the Hydrocracker unit. Followup: No Notes: Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Workers stopped leak, immediate clean up of the spill followed, all contaminated soil was removed within three days. | Oil: 38.0 gallons |
| 150933 2013-09-10 | Pipe | Cause: On September 10, Exxon Refinery discovered a 1/4" hold on a pipe to the HHLA gas compressor E301. The pipe is threaded so it's leaking around the fitting. The fitting is in the process of being repaired. Followup: No Notes: Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. | Flammable Vapor: 150.0 pounds |
| 145770 2013-01-07 | Hydrocracker unit | Cause: There was a 3/4" pipe break in the Hydrocracker Unit. Followup: No Notes: Approximately 115 pounds of flammable vapor and less than 1 pound of hydrogen sulfide was released. Original SPOC notification states that more than 1000 lbs of flammable gas and more than 100 lbs of hydrogen sulfide were released, and that material did go offsite. | Flammable Vapor: 115.0 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide: 1.0 pounds |
| 159971 2014-11-10 | suction line to gas compressor | Cause: On 11/11/14, ExxonMobil Refinery reported a leak on a suction line to a gas compressor. Exxon determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. Followup: No Notes: No additional cleanup was needed. | Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds: 25.0 pounds |
| 159781 2014-10-30 | heat exchanger | Cause: On 10/30/14, ExxonMobil Refinery had a leaking tube on a heat exchanger which caused ethyl chloride to be released to atmosphere. What caused the leak is still under investigation. At the time of the State Police notification, they were working on isolating the exchanger and taking it out of service. After further review, ExxonMobil had determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded during the incident. Followup: No Notes: | |
| 159073 2014-09-27 | Line in OSD area | Cause: On Sept. 27, 2014 the Baton Rouge Refinery experienced an oil spill to soil in the OSD area of approximately 15.5 barrels. During operator rounds, oil was discovered in an excavation near the Tar loading line. Immediately upon discovery, the line was isolated and water washed. A vacuum truck was used to remove the oil. Followup: No Notes: Upon discovery, mitigation measures were initiated. The spill source was isolated and soil remediation began. Soil remediation was completed on Sept 30, 2014 at 1PM. The line has been removed from service until a permanent repair can be made. Permanent repair options include replacing the line or installing a welded leak box. | Oil: 651.0 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 5,940.0 pounds Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 4.7 pounds |
| 158709 2014-09-11 | KDLA Unit | Cause: On Sept. 11, 2014 at 9:40 ExxonMobil had a solvent leak off a piece of pipe in the KDLA Unit. The repairs took a few hours and the leak was stopped at 13:30. Exxon reports that no RQ;s were exceeded, a that 12 lbs of flammable vapors were released. Original report from LSP HAZMAT Hotline indicates that 1,424 lbs of flammable vapor were emitted. Followup: No Notes: No Information Given other than the leak was stopped. | Flammable Vapor: 12.0 pounds |
| 156211 2014-05-26 | ruptured hose | Cause: On 5/26/14, at approximately 3:10 am, Dock personnel reported a silver sheen in the Mississippi River. While attempting to load xylene onto a barge, the cargo hose ruptured allowing 5.3 gallons of xylene to reach the Mississippi River an 4 barrels to reach the barge deck. The evaporative losses associated with the xylene spilled to the barge deck exceeded the reportable quantity for xylene. Followup: Notes: Upon hose rupture, the transfer pump was stopped, all associated valves were blocked and the flow of material ceased. Both curtain and oil spill boom were deployed. The barge deck was cleaned utilizing a portable pump and oil spill pads. Actions to prevent recurrence included reinforcing operator structured rounds procedures and protocol. Spill occurred at Mile Marker 232 on the Mississippi River. | Xylene: 220.0 pounds |
| 156194 2014-05-23 | pipe | Cause: In the drum, a pipe leaked under the insulation, possibly expelling flammable vapor and fuel gas. Followup: No Notes: Air monitoring was conducted at the fenceline, right at the source, and 4 feet away from the origin. All air monitoring readings were 0. The line was isolated and secured 4 hours and 35 minutes after | Flammable Vapor: 99.0 pounds |
| 155101 2014-04-07 | Firewater Line | Cause: A fire-water line burst and sprayed water onto Gulf States Road and Scenic Highway. The release did not contain any contaminants in the water. Followup: No Notes: The release was contained. | |
| No LDEQ Reported 2014-04-07 | Firewater Line | Cause: On 4/7/2014 a firewater line ruptured, releasing firewater onto Gulf States Road and Scenic Highway. Includes State Police #14-01555 as well. Followup: No Notes: No Information Given | |
| 154438 2014-03-11 | Coker feed line | Cause: On March 11, 2014 at approximately 7:30 a.m., the OSD Feed Sectin experienced an oil spill to soil of approximately 14.0 barrels of coker feed. While the Feed Section operator was performing a routine round, oil was discovered leaking from under the insulation of a Coker Feed line used to transfer material between tanks. The leak occurred on an above ground portion of the line. Once the insulation was removed a ~3.5 inch crack was found in the weld. Followup: No Notes: Spill mitigation steps were put into place and cleanup began within the hour of discovering the leak. This line will remain out of service until permanent repairs are made. Permanent repairs include replacing affected pipe. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 8,658.0 pounds Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: 17.0 pounds Oil: 588.0 gallons |
| 154214 2014-03-01 | #2 Pentane line | Cause: On March 1, 2014 at approximately 11:14 a.m., a pinhole leak began on the #2 Pentane line. Followup: Notes: Upon discovery, the leak was isolated and the line was flushed with water to minimize overall environmental impact. The release was isolated and lined up to a pull down system. This incident is under investigation to determine the exact root cause and to provide mitigating steps to prevent recurrence. The reportable quantity for benzene and VOC was exceeded as a result of this event. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 12,769.0 pounds Benzene: 11.0 pounds |
| 153896 2014-02-18 | #2 berth | Cause: On December 23, 2013, at approximately 3:39 pm, a dock worker reported oil in the water under the #2 berth. All dock operations were suspended and a clamp was installed on the line to stop the leak. Work is ongoing to complete a permanent repair prior to returning the line to service. In response to the spill, a tarp was deployed at the #2 berth to contain the oil. Followup: No Notes: The letter states that it serves as notification for a spill on 2/28/2014, however later says the accident occurred on 12/23/2013. | Lube Oil: 0.1 gallons |
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