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Valero (1238), Meraux

Causal Factor: Start Up, Shut Down

LDEQ Accident Number
Accident Date		 Point Source(s) Notes Amount of Release
92563

2006-12-11		#2 SRU incinerator (1-93#)
2 SRU incinerator (1-93#)
Cause: TGT startup - melt out of the two towers during which time the TGT was bypassed

Followup: No

Notes: SERC Incident # 06-07489. Excess emmissions was part of standard procedure for operating procedures to do startup. Used acid gas to mitigate the env. Impact of acid gas in the env.		Sulfur Dioxide: 393.0 pounds
Sulfur Dioxide: 583.0 pounds
89323

2006-07-18		None Reported
Cause: startup process for the refinery.

Followup: Yes

Notes: SERC incident # 06-04479. Said the report was made in error since startup is still ongoing and the event was part of the startup.
89105

2006-07-07		North Flare (EPN #20-72)
Cause: safety shutdown of #2 SRU because of a malfunction at the TGT stripper reflux Accumulator Control Valve, which failed to open the N. Flare

Followup: No

Notes: SERC Incident # 06-04250. That unit had not reached stable operation levels since its startup on June 1, 2006 due to various mechanical malfunctions. Acid gas was routed to the flare until SRU was stabilized- to mitigate env. Impact.		Sulfur Dioxide: 29,175.0 pounds
88856

2006-06-25		None Reported
Cause: #1 Sour Water Stripper Startup

Followup: Yes

Notes: SERC Incident # Report says startup still going and report will be filed when startup is finished.
118251

2009-09-27		#2 SRU incinerator
Cause: Automatic safety shutdown of #2 Sulfur Recovery Unit due to hydrocarbon breakthrough into the unit. Attempted to re-start the unit because had to bypass acid gas around #2 Tail Gas Treater which resulted in emissions. A second attempt to start up was successful but also required a bypass which results in further emissions.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ not exceeded. Gas bypasses were secured in both cases. Refinery followed propr procedures and appropriate repairs will be done on the unit.		Sulfur Dioxide: 159.0 pounds
115235

2009-05-24		North flare from hydrocraker
Cause: Automatic safety shutdown of the hydrocracker unit. Cause flaring at North flare.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ exceeded. Secured and re-started hydrocracker.		Sulfur Dioxide: 4,000.0 pounds
112823

2009-02-18		North Flare
Cause: Automatic safety shutdown of hydrocracker unit resulted in a North flare with no smoke.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ exceeded. Re-started the hydrocracker according to procedure.		Sulfur Dioxide: 4,000.0 pounds
136516

2012-01-15		no information given
Cause: Elevated flare was experienced. The facility was performing a shutdown procedure which utilized liquid nitrogen for purging of vapors and reactor cool down. The purged vapors and nitrogen were supplemented with refinery fuel gas in order to ensure combustion at the flare, resulting in a higher than normal flare.

Followup: No

Notes: LDEQ received a citizen complaint regarding flaring and an odor at 9:31 pm on 1/15/2012 during which time Valero Refinery experienced an elevated flare. No reportable quantities were exceeded.