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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge
Causal Factor: Equipment Failure
| LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date |
Point Source(s) | Notes | Amount of Release |
| 92424 2006-12-05 | analyzer diaphragm | Cause: An analyzer diaphragm blew out causing material to be released. Followup: Notes: They blocked in the analyzer. They will leave it blocked in and will get it repaired | Syngas: 1,113.5 pounds |
| 91967 2006-11-09 | F5 incinerator No information given. | Cause: A piece of equipment, the F5 incinerator that the POX acid gas normally goes to, shut down for an unknown reason. ExxonMobil is investigating whether the shutdown could be due to an instrumentation Followup: No Notes: Flammable gas was released at 2268 lbs per hour. Amount of flammable gas released is unknown. | |
| 91198 2006-10-08 | Reactor | Cause: A reactor over-pressured and PSV lifted to air. Reactor was emptied to another vessel. Followup: No Notes: Intial report says it may have exceeded RQs. Amount of ethylene and isobutane released is unknown. | |
| 91100 2006-10-04 | Exchanger | Cause: Exchanger leak into the cooling tower and then the air. Followup: no Notes: Exchanger was removed from service. | |
| 89354 2006-07-18 | tank | Cause: A nitrogen blanket on a tank was found not to be in place. Followup: No Notes: Blanket was put back in place to secure. Over 1000 pounds of flammable gas is released. Exact amount of flammable gas released is unknown. | Flammable Gas: 1,000.0 pounds |
| 87945 2006-05-18 | tanks | Cause: They have five tanks that are releasing vapors. One tank is a floating roof tank that is malfunctioning. The other four have some sort of malfunction as well. They are investigating the cause. Followup: No Notes: Not sure if any releases will reach RQ | |
| 87811 2006-05-12 | Product line from Isopropyl alcohol unit | Cause: A product line from the isopropyl alcohol unit in the chemical plant was leaking. Vapors were being released to the atmosphere. Followup: No Notes: ExxonMobil located the leak. They were trying to determine what options they had to stop the leak. Amount of chemicals released is unknown. | |
| 95507 2007-04-20 | D furnace | Cause: ExxonMobil Chemical has a convection section leak on D furnace, on the PASS 5 section. Followup: Notes: This is being reported as a precautionary measure. They released Nitrous Oxide at 12.5 lbs/day. The limit is 10 lbs/day. Exact amount of nitrous oxide released is unknown. | |
| 93999 2007-02-16 | Rich Stage Absorber Tower | Cause: While making routine rounds, an assistant operator on the Isopropyl Alcohol Unit discovered a leak on the sixth level of the Rich Stage Absorber Tower. The leak was caused by a failure of the thermowell assembly. Followup: Notes: Personnel immediately began to isolate and shut down the tower. Elevated fire monitors were activated which sprayed water on the release to minimize emissions to the air. Feed was blocked out of the tower, the liquid drained to other process equipment, and the tower was depressured to the gas recovery system. The failed thermowell assembly was replaced. The failed thermowell assemblly was sent to an outside lab for metallurgical analysis to determine the cause of the failure. | Propylene: 468.0 pounds Isopropyl alcohol: 892.0 pounds Sulfuric Acid: 1,436.0 pounds Water: 495.0 pounds Propane: 468.0 pounds |
| 110384 2008-10-26 | Ethylene Purification Unit | Cause: Followup: No Notes: Exxon believes that RQs were exceeded for all products released. Due to equipment failure, there was an unplanned shutdown of the Ethylene purificaInitial report says that they may exceed for RQs for Ethylene, propylene, nitrogen oxide, and opacity. Exxon's report was received on 11/5/08, and it said that no RQ exceedences occurred. The activity associated with this is covered under the Sp. Condition 2 of the operating Titile V permit for the Main train unit. | : 1,034.0 pounds : 1,520.0 pounds : 1,709.0 pounds : 317.0 pounds : 329.0 pounds : 3,190.0 pounds |
| 109408 2008-09-20 | Benzene fractionator reflux pump P-160B at the aromatics unit | Cause: P-160B caught fire due to thrust bearing failure. The cause of the pump failure is unknown. Followup: No Notes: A pump fire occurred in the aromatics plant. The benzene fractionator reflux pump caught fire due to thrust beating failure. Blocked the upstream valve and fire was put out. The cause of the pump failure was not known. The pump was repaired and put back into service. RQ for benzene exceeded. | Benzene: 19.0 pounds |
| 106837 2008-06-28 | Tank | Cause: Styrene monomer tank experienced a roof failure, cause undetermined. The tank was in the process of being de-inventoried and transfer to another tank remains underway. During transfer of crude styrene from one storage tank to another the roof of storage tank MV-816 failed. Followup: Notes: They have begun an air monitoring plan, testing for Styrene and LEL. Slight odor at the tank but nothing detected outside fence line. They do not believe any RQ were exceeded. | styrene monomer: 900.0 pounds Ethylbenzene: 250.0 pounds |
| 106450 2008-06-16 | sample cylinder | Cause: They discovered a leaking sample cylinder in their lab. Followup: no Notes: No RQ exceedance from the leak, originally stated that 11 lbs butadiene leaked out. The discrepancy had to be addressed at the next inspection. | : 10.6 pounds |
| 105555 2008-05-13 | tower | Cause: On a tower control valve station the bypass valve packing blew out. Followup: no Notes: Tower was shut down to take pressure off and secure it. Replaced bypass valve. | : 50.2 pounds |
| 105098 2008-04-25 | stripping tower | Cause: mechanical failure on stripping tower resulted in release of decyl alcohol. Followup: No Notes: No information given | |
| 105096 2008-04-25 | stripping tower | Cause: Mechanical failure on stripping tower resulted in release of decyl alcohol Followup: no Notes: No reportable quantities were exceeded. No additional information given. | |
| 104822 2008-04-16 | Reactor (R1C) | Cause: A reactor (R1C) has a "bamer blind" leak. Followup: No Notes: Incident was ongoing. Attempting repair at time of report. Feel they will exceed RQ at time of report. | |
| 104714 2008-04-12 | compressor | Cause: Fire developed on a compressor C-500 B associated with the Aromatics Unit. Cause of the fire was mechanical failure of the compressor which controls the vapors from storage tanks in the Aromatics Unit. Followup: Notes: As a result of the compressor shut down, the fire vapors from the tanks went to the air. Vacuum jets were turned on to control these tanks emissions. Concentrations of 7 ppm of Benzene were detected 10 ft downwind from the compressor after the fire was out. Hot zone was established as called for. Hydrocarbons were blocked off from the compressor to prevent further ignition. | Benzene: 41.4 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 107.0 pounds |
| 104364 2008-03-30 | ECE 22 | Cause: Valve packing bleq out on E C E 22 on the neo acids unit. Followup: No Notes: Monitoring the situation closely and spraying water on it. They feel the amount will exceed the RQ of 1000 lbs. | |
| 104041 2008-03-19 | #16 flare | Cause: #16 flare went out due to electrical issues. Product went to the flare but as it was out, went to atmosphere. Followup: No Notes: They relit the flare after power was re-established | Flammable Gas: 1,300.0 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 72.0 pounds |
| 120220 2009-12-16 | Vapor Recovery system | Cause: Vapor recovery system failed causing the tank to vent. Followup: No Notes: Vapor recovery system failed causing the tank to vent. The release was secured. Exceeded 10 lb reportable quantity. | Benzene: 11.3 pounds |
| 119881 2009-12-05 | Vapor recovery compressor | Cause: Vapor recovery compressor shut down due to mechanical failure. Followup: No Notes: Vapor recovery compressor shutdown due to mechanical failure. Back up system was up. In the aromatics unit. | Benzene: 10.3 pounds |
| 119325 2009-11-06 | Furnace stack | Cause: Smoking furnace from a leak. Followup: No Notes: May have developed a leak which would be causing the smoke emitted from their furnace stack. They may do some monitoring. They will have a chemical feed into the furnace. They will attempt to locate the source of the leak and eliminate that feed. The air was not being monitored. Amount of smoke released is unknown. | |
| 118649 2009-10-12 | Thermal oxidizer F5 | Cause: Thermal oxidizer F5 tripped because of water supply being lost to it. They had a mechanical problem with the pump. Followup: No Notes: Called because the release was ongoing at the time and close to reaching 100 lbs (reportable quantity). They had mechanical problems with the pump and were repairing them. | Hydrogen Sulfide: 83.0 pounds |
| 116544 2009-07-17 | Expansion tank on heater barge (Gonsoilin 108) | Cause: A heater barge was running its heater and an expansion tank on board burped and sprayed approximately 50 gallons of heater oil onto the deck. Followup: No Notes: While the majority of the heater oil stayed on deck, about 1 cup released into the water (Mississippi River). An OSRO response crew was dispatched from Oil Mop, INC for cleanup of the deck on the barge. The sheen on the water was unrecoverable and dissipated naturally. The product recovered by absorbent pads were bagged. The contaminated absorbents were loaded into DOT drums for proper disposal. | Heater Oil: 50.0 gallons |
| 115854 2009-06-20 | WCT 01 | Cause: Followup: No Notes: Release came out of the top of one of the flares. Caused by a safety valve failure on WCT 01. Just SPOC report. | : 171.0 pounds |
| 115845 2009-06-20 | WCT 01 | Cause: Safety valve on WCT 01 failed and released to flare. Root cause for flaring was positional failure of the control valve resulting in a pressure surge to the tower WCT01. The safety valve did not properly seal after the lift and VOCs leaked to the flare. Followup: No Notes: Uncombusted propylene released through the flare. | Propylene: 171.0 pounds |
| 114279 2009-04-18 | WM101 | Cause: WM101 valve failure to WM 12 bottoms. Followup: No Notes: Over 100 lbs of ethylene released. The exact amount released is unknown. Report says no RQs were exceeded. | Ethylene: 100.0 pounds |
| 113906 2009-04-02 | Storage tank in foam chamber | Cause: On going release from a storage tank through a foam chamber. Followup: No Notes: Late report, below RQ for benzene. No RQs were exceeded. No details mentioned of what caused the leak. | |
| 112825 2009-02-17 | EPLA-W Compressor, flares #10, 25, and 26 Flares #10, 25, and 26 | Cause: A fire resulted in a compressor shut down and material being flared from 10:30 pm - 11 pm. Around 10:30 pm the charge gas compressor (EPLA-W compressor) for the Olefins Maintrain furnaces tripped due to failed overspeed wiring. This occurred because of a small leak of lube oil from the steam driver which caught fire. This fire was small but close to the wiring which malfunctioned. Followup: No Notes: This incident is linked to incident #112824. The effluent gases were diverted to flares before the compressor could be repaired. Start up began around 8:45 pm on 2/18/09. Flaring during shut down through start up resulted in exceedances of RQs for ethylene, propylene, butadiene, nitric oxide, and sulfur dioxide. Also they had three compliance excursions from smoking of flares #10, #25, and #26. This was a non preventable incident from a malfunction. They are looking into preventing lube oil leaking and collecting near compressor wiring. | Ethylene: 3,463.0 pounds Propylene: 1,417.0 pounds Butadiene: 20.0 pounds Nitrogen Oxide: 2,362.0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide: 3,774.0 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 20.0 pounds 3-Methyl-1-Butene: 17.0 pounds Acetylene: 51.0 pounds Benzene: 339.0 pounds Butane: 24.0 pounds Carbon Dioxide: 3.0 pounds Carbon Monoxide: 4.0 pounds Cyclopentadiene: 2.0 pounds Ethane: 845.0 pounds Ethylene: 3,463.0 pounds Hydrogen: 180.0 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide: 12.0 pounds Isobutane: 2.0 pounds Isobutylene: 219.0 pounds Isopentane: 9.0 pounds Isoprene: 21.0 pounds Methane: 141.0 pounds Methyl Acetylene: 111.0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 308.0 pounds Pentadiene: 9.0 pounds 1-Pentene: 51.0 pounds Propane: 97.0 pounds Propylene: 1,417.0 pounds T-butene2: 100.0 pounds Toluene: 21.0 pounds Water: 39.0 pounds Nitrogen Oxide: 2,613.0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide: 3,774.0 pounds |
| 128038 2010-12-08 | Cause: A compressor tripped offline at the Benzene Hydro-Finer and caused the automatic shut down procedure to be activated. Followup: No Notes: The release resulted in a temporary localized shelter in place. | ||
| 126520 2010-09-21 | Tank #BD24 at MEK unit | Cause: A leak developed on top of tank #BD24 at the MEK unit. Followup: No Notes: Operators quickly shut down the tank. Fire monitors are spraying water to suppress vapors. They will depressurize the tank and fill with water to isolate the release. Medical personnel checked out operators with possible exposures. This took place at MEK Unit which is responsible for producing Methyl Ethyl Ketones. | |
| 126318 2010-09-12 | Furance A | Cause: Furnace A was in start up mode. There was a leak and the furnace was smoking. Followup: No Notes: The tried to find which pass malfunctioned. | |
| 126265 2010-09-10 | battery charger on Mark Ve control system | Cause: Preliminary investigation findings for the event indicated a battery charger malfunctioned on the Mark Ve control system, causing a power disruption in the Olefins area. The olefin area's primary fractionator overhead compressor tripped as a result of the power disruption, and the primary fractionator overhead was routed to the flare system per design. Followup: No Notes: Beginning at 10:20 am on 9/10/10 the plant experienced flaring. By 3:45 rates for all other olefins equipment were reduced, and flaring was minimized. Subsequent flaring from recovery and startup activities were authorized under Part 70 permit emissions limit. Unit rates were minimized to reduce flaring. Control system batteries were replaced and restart of the compressor was expedited to end the flaring. All batteries in this control system were replaced. This event is under investigation, with the aid of equipment manufacturers, to determine the root cause of the battery charger malfunction. All chemicals involved exceeded RQs. | Propylene: 819.0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide: 8,726.0 pounds Benzene: 209.0 pounds Nitrogen Oxide: 1,099.0 pounds Ethylene: 1,052.0 pounds |
| 125406 2010-08-04 | None Reported | Cause: Furnace outlet header had a small leak. Followup: Notes: Put steam to prevent a fire. No RQs were exceeded. Amount of chemicals released is unknown. | |
| 125144 2010-07-25 | RL-1 Cooling Tank | Cause: Heat exchanger E-110A of the halobutyl rubber unit was determined to be the source of the leak and was isolated to stop the release. Followup: No Notes: Routine halobutyl unit hexane inventory monitoring performed on July 19th revealed potential hexane losses, investigation was initiated. Standard initial evaluations of data validity and material balances were performed. Operational investigation into the loss was also completed, included surveying the area using an optical imaging camera and testing the cooling water for Total Organic Carbon content. Unit material balances revealed potential hexane release began on July 12th, and leak rate calculations were completed utilizing normal engineering calculations of hole size, leak rate, and total release since July 12th. As requested by LDEQ, Industrial Hygiene monitoring was performed at the cooling tower upon discovery of the leak. This monitoring established there were no offsite impacts as a result of this release. This incident is under investigation to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence. The exchanger will be returned to service. | Hexane: 225.9 pounds |
| 124978 2010-07-20 | Tank 916 | Cause: On 7/20/10 at approximately 10 am the LDEQ responded via phone to Exxon Mobil concerning a natural gas leak. The gas leak developed on top of Tank 916 at the Oxo Plant. Followup: No Notes: Operators quickly shut down the tank. Air monitoring was conducted. An unknown quantity of natural gas was released. Pictures included in report of Tank and how it was patched up where the leak occurred. Tank appears covered in rust. | |
| 124078 2010-06-10 | flange | Cause: Propylene leak from a flange at the discharge end of the compressor. Attempts to fix the check valve flange resulted in the bolts being stripped and more release occured. Followup: No Notes: Propylene leak from a flange at the discharge end of compressor. Planned to put a clamp to stop the leak and monitor air quality. Exxon's report was received on 6/21/10 at CRO. Fugitive emission leak was deteced at the propylene refrigeration system during LDAR round. Attempts to fix the check valve flange resulted in the bolts being stripped and more release occurred. Effort to clamp the flange stopped the release. Exceeded RQ for propylene (an HRVOC). Report says this will be addressed during the next inspection. | Propylene: 1,260.0 pounds |
| 122560 2010-04-05 | Pressure relief valve | Cause: Pressure relief valve on a storage tank malfunctioned. Followup: Notes: The natural gas was blocked to the tank and reduced emissions by drafting the tank. Due to tank level management and prompt vent repair, Exxon said no reportable quantities were exceeded. | |
| 120826 2010-01-16 | bleeder valve | Cause: The block valve was discovered to be leaking Followup: No Notes: Leaking valve. Valve was isolated. Planned to repair it that day. Released quantities are minimum estimates. Exceeded RQs. When the leak was discovered, the bleeder was closed to prevent further release. An investigation is underway to determine root cause. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 6,201.0 pounds Flammable Gas: 6,201.0 pounds |
| 135902 2011-12-14 | PV vents in tank field on OXO vapor recovery system | Cause: OXO vapor recovery system compressors malfunctioned causing an increase in the system pressure which resulted in tank vents opening to the atmosphere.
Discharge check valve was leaking through causing the system to circulate and decrease the compressor's effectiveness.
In combination with another event (11-07738) from the preceding 24 hours the RQ for flammable vapor was exceeded. Followup: No Notes: Inconsistency in reported quantities released. Initital SPOC verbal notification listed release of 403 lbs of Methane to the atmosphere through PV vents. This release occurred when a OXO vapor recovery system compressor tripped off which lead to the tank vents being opened. A spare compressor was used to reduce system pressure. The check valve was replaced, and the compressor internal cooler has been cleaned. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 46.5 pounds Methanol: 0.0 pounds Methane: 46.5 pounds 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane: 0.2 pounds |
| 135136 2011-11-05 | Control valve | Cause: Control valve malfunctioned releasing several materials into the air. Released to the flare after control valve malfunctioned. Followup: No Notes: No reportable quantities were exceeded. | Ethylene: 15.0 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 1.0 pounds Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds: 16.0 pounds Nitrogen Oxide: 8.0 pounds Benzene: 1.0 pounds |
| 134193 2011-09-27 | safety valve: #ECR-01 | Cause: The leak occurred at an inlet to a safety valve on equipment #ECR-01. Carbon Monoxide was released. The release was located at a block valve on the Neo Acids Unit. Followup: No Notes: Less than one pound of flammable vapor was released. | |
| 133994 2011-09-16 | Halobutyl Finishing Unit | Cause: A thermocouple failed, which resulted in the release. Halobutyl Finishing Unit Thermotreatment unit tripped. Followup: No Notes: The thermocouple was replaced allowing the unit to be restarted around 8:30am. no injuries, complaints, or offsite impact resulted from this event. Amount of chemicals released is unknown. After evaluation, it has been determined that all emissions were permitted and no reportable qualities were exceeded. | |
| 132235 2011-07-05 | Exchanger E502/T5 Tower on Unit BPLA | Cause: Verbal report states Exchanger E502/T5 Tower on Unit BPLA was leaking process into condensate, which was released to the sewer. Followup: No Notes: The letter dated July 11 says that 25 lbs of MTBE were released per 24 hour period since July 5. Amount of time of release is not stated. | MTBE: 25.0 pounds |
| 132165 2011-06-30 | Cause: There was a pinhole leak in a pump. Followup: No Notes: Approximately 30lbs of propylene released to the atmosphere. All of the liquid released was captured in secondary containment. | Propylene: 30.0 pounds | |
| 130645 2011-04-13 | RT-03 | Cause: The South Ethylene Purification Unit (EPLA-S) experienced operational difficulties from depropanizer tower RT-03. RT-03 experienced operational difficulties with its overhead condensers when a control valve failed, resulting in EPLA-S receiving unsteady feed rates and material molecular weights. Due to teh unsteady feed, material was routed from EPLA-S to the flare system and an atmospheric safety valve released material.
A control valve failed. Followup: No Notes: Material was routed from EPLA-S to the flare system. To end the release, rates at RT-03 and EPLA-S were reduced. The failed control valve has been isolated. It will be repaired prior to being returned to service. | Propylene: 4,619.0 pounds Ethylene: 3,414.0 pounds Flammable Vapor: 19,903.0 pounds |
| 129511 2011-02-25 | BELA-5 | Cause: Flaring resulted in 365 lbs of 1,3-Butadiene. Compressor BAC-01 on the 1,3-Butadiene Unit (BELA-5) tripped, which caused an unplanned shutdown. Followup: No Notes: BAC-01 compressor motor was replaced and the unit was restarted. To prevent recurrence of the compressor trip, the motor was replaced. | 1,3-Butadiene: 356.0 pounds |
| 129163 2011-02-09 | BELA-5 1,3-Butadiene Unit | Cause: Approximately 121 pounds of 1,3-Butadiene was released from the BELA-5 unit after a compressor tripped, causing an unplanned shutdown. The compressor trip was caused by a significant fouling incident on both parallel feed filters. The unit's solvent balance was disrupted when the filters fouled, and the compressor tripped due to a high suction drum level. Followup: No Notes: Material was routed to the flare per design. The unit was shutdown and multiple filters were cleaned. | 1,3-Butadiene: 121.0 pounds |
| 128499 2011-01-05 | C9 OXO unit | Cause: A pinhole leak developed on the C9 unit. Followup: No Notes: Written notification stated that no reportable quantities were exceeded. | Flammable Vapor: 34.0 pounds |
| 145178 2012-12-05 | Hydraulic Valve on EPLA-W KC-01 | Cause: On December 5, 2012 at approximately 6:18 pm, while repairing an inlet valve on EPLA-W KC-01 compressor the hydraulic valve failed, resulting in flaring. After further investigation it was determined that the lube oil clarifier malfunctioned allowing cooling water to backflow into the lube oil system. Followup: Yes Notes: Immediately following the failure of the hydraulic valve, the feed rates to the compressor were reduced. The compressor remained at reduced feed rates until a planned shutdown occurred. To prevent recurrence of this event, the valve has been cleaned and thoroughly inspected. Additionally, the lube, seal, and control oil reservoir circuit has been drained and refilled. | Ethylene: 464.1 pounds Propylene: 109.4 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 18.8 pounds |
| 145024 2012-11-30 | flare | Cause: An electrical fault in a transformer caused the Halobutyl unit (RLA-1) C-751 compressor to trip. Subsequently, the unit was shut down. During shutdown processes, safety valve 828-023 (D-751) and 769-021 (D-100) vented methyl chloride the the flare system per design. The combustion of methyl chloride resulted in reportable quantities hydrochloric acid and methyl chloride being released from the flare system.
Upon completion of startup, flare gas flow remained slightly elevated from expected baseline. An investigation discovered that safety valve 828-023 did not completely reseat after malfunction, which resulted in low pressure flow in the line causing the trip of the compressor. Material routed to the flare system until the SV was blocked in approximately 20 minutes later. The leaking safety valve resulted in an extended incident duration.
According to all refinery letters the quantity of Hydrochloric Acid released was 62,480 pounds and the amount of methyl chloride was 438.0000 pounds. According to the LDEQ report dated March 26, 2013 - the total amount of Hydrochloric Acid released was 24,383 pounds and the amount of methyl chloride was 170 pounds. Followup: Yes Notes: The combustion of methyl chloride resulted in 62,480 pounds of HCl and 434 pounds of methyl chloride being released from the flare system. The RQs for methyl chloride and HCl wer exceeded as a result of this event. The restart of RLA-1 C-751 compressor began on 12/1/12 at 11:50 am and was completed at approximately 3:58 pm. Drier regeneration activities were conducted per normal operating procedures from 12/1/12 at 6:54 pm until 12/2/12 at 6:02 pm. These activities resulted in permitted flows of methyl chloride to flare system. According to the 60 day letter dated Feb. 5th 2013: The unit was shut-down and the leaking valve was blocked to isolate the release. The reliability of the lube oil system has been improved by replacing the low pressure kick-in switches, adjust kick-in pressure set point, and conducting on-line testing of the lube oil system. Also, unit operator training on the lube oil systmem for C-751 will be conducted. This event is under investigation to determine the root cause and path forward to prevent recurrence. | Methyl Chloride: 170.0 pounds Hydrochloric Acid: 24,383.0 pounds |
| 143305 2012-09-20 | Level instrument on drum D-50 at the POX unit | Cause: A leak was discovered on the level instrument taps on drum D-50 at the POX unit. Followup: No Notes: No Information Given. After further evaluation we have determined that no RQs were exceeded. Less than 1 pound of flammable vapor was released as a result of this event. LABB only has the 7 day letter written notification, but has not found the initial verbal notification made to SPOC or LDEQ verbal report. | Flammable Vapor: 1.0 pounds |
| 141729 2012-08-01 | pump UKPU-100B | Cause: Pump UKPU-100B was discovered leaking flare condensate Followup: No Notes: Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Less than one pound of 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and toluene were released. | 1,3-Butadiene: 1.0 pounds Benzene: 1.0 pounds Toluene: 1.0 pounds |
| 141699 2012-08-01 | Pump UFPU-150 | Cause: On August 1, 2012 pump UFPU-150 was discovered leaking flare condensate to the concrete. Followup: No Notes: Due to the prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. | 1,3-Butadiene: 3.5 pounds Benzene: 3.3 pounds Toluene: 9.3 pounds |
| 140470 2012-06-14 | Tank 21 and Rain Basin 1 | Cause: A failed bleeder plug was found at Tank 801 in the BRCP's Aromatics Tankfield. Approximately 411 barrels of steam cracked naptha reached the sewer system via this bleeder. All material was retained in waste water treatment facility. While the naphtha was being pumped to tanks #778, #26, #22 and #21, a rain event occurred, which overwhelmed the facility's ability to pump the liquid to the tanks. Therefore, the material was diverted to the Rain Basin I surface impoundment. Of the water pumped into the basin, there were 1,712 lbs of benzene and 419 lbs of toluene. Followup: Yes Notes: The water was to be pumped to the waste water treatment plant for treatment before being discharged to outfall 001. Firefighting foam was placed on top to reduce volatilized chemicals. Half the materials spilled were recovered. All values are based on the vaporized material and represents a very small amount of loss. The material is being pumped and moved to onsite storage to facilitate recovery and treatment of the material. All recovered liquid material is being placed in tanks 778, 21, 22, and 26, all of which are properly configured and permitted to store this material. On June 14, 2012, the site began the process of understanding the constituents of the steam cracked naptha that may have been released to the air by performing material balance calculations. During the first 24-48 hours of the incident response, the intial assumptions were that a majority of the material was being contained with minimal evaporative losses. Emissions reporting was based on the initial vaporization of material from the leak duration. Sample of the stored and liquid material were collected from multiple areas and storage facilities to help develop a more definitive material balance of the total steam cracked naptha released. As a precaution, at 1230pm on Jun 14, 2012, approximately 400 employees and contractors in the impacted areas of the complex were tested for potential exposure. ExxonMobil believes that none of these individuals will have any adverse impacts. The site conducted regular monitoring at the fence line every four hours and in three unit areas on an hourly basis during the incident response activites. All fence line readings remain below detection. ExxonMobil Industrial Hygiene personel continue to conduct air monitoring and are verifying safe conditions for areas were personnel are working. Fenceline monitoring will be conducted until the steam cracked naptha material in tank 21 and RB-1 have been treated through the Refinery Wastewater Treatment facilities. Firefighting foam was added to the sewer system every 1-2 hours to minimize the amount of evaporative losses. This foam did not impact wastewater treatment operations or capabilities in the quantities utilized during this incident. | Cyclohexane: 1,431.0 pounds Benzene: 31,022.0 pounds Toluene: 13,081.0 pounds Hexane: 2,588.0 pounds Ethylbenzene: 27.0 pounds Isoprene: 22.0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 14,022.0 pounds |
| 140095 2012-05-28 | Tank 784 Socks | Cause: Due to the degradation of the socks of the storage tank over time, there was a release of benzene.Tank 784 socks leaked 0.75 lb/hr of benzene. OSHA requires a Highly Hazardous Entry permit to go to the top of the tank and fix the problem. Followup: No Notes: On 5/29/12/ at approximately 17:00 hours, the socks on the benzene tank were replaced and the release was secured. In the initial report on 5/28/12, the refinery stated that it expected reportable quantity for benzene to be exceeded. However, in the follow-up letter on 5/31/12, the refinery stated that no reportable quantities were exceeded. | |
| 139911 2012-05-22 | Flare: No Information Given | Cause: There was a compressor surge, which caused a release to the flare. Followup: No Notes: The refinery's follow-up letter indicates that "due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration," no reportable quantities were exceeded. | 1,3-Butadiene: 7.6 pounds |
| 150346 2013-08-12 | EPLA-S unit | Cause: On August 12, a propylene leak above the reportable quantity was discovered on the ethylene unit (EPLA-S) and reported. Initial El Paso sampling indicated a leak rate of 730 lbs/day. Further refinement of the leak rate estimate indicates a current leak rate of 798 lbs/day.
Investigation results indicate the exchanger had been in service for an extensive amount of time. However, the chiller is in a clean, non-corrosive service and there was no expectation that this equipment would have leaked.
As discussed with LDEQ, the BRCP planned and safely executed a controlled shutdown of the EPLA-S unit. Followup: Yes Notes: ExxonMobil safely executed a controlled shutdown of the EPLA-S unit. To prevent recurrence, exchanger tubes were plugged as short term mitigation. The bundle will be replaced during the next scheduled unit maintenance interval. ExxonMobil was fined in 2011 for similar leaks in the ethylene unit as a part of a settlement agreement with LDEQ (Settlement Tracking No. SA-MM-13-0030). | Propylene: 5,985.0 pounds |
| No LDEQ Reported 2013-08-09 | None Reported | Cause: The ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant (BRCP) reported that a "malfunction" occurred at the Butyl Unit. Report states that ExxonMobil BRCP plans to use the affirmative defense to civil penalties clause of the Clean Air Act, which provides the facility an affirmative defense to civil penalties in cases of malfunction. Followup: No Notes: The report promises additional information within 45 days. | |
| 149002 2013-06-04 | Valve | Cause: Release of materials to air due to malfunctioning valve. Followup: No Notes: Necessary repairs were made. No additional information was provided in addition to the amounts released and duration. | Benzene: 3.0 pounds Butadiene: 6.0 pounds Ethylene: 26.0 pounds Propylene: 11.0 pounds |
| 146024 2013-01-12 | IPA Unit | Cause: While operators worked to repair a leak on the Isopropyl Alcohol Unit (IPA) by installing a spare extract pump, a flange on the downstream control valve station began leaking extract. As operators began troubleshooting the leak, the flange gasket failed, causing 2,844 pounds of extract to be released onto the concrete, of which approximately 203 pounds were propylene vapor. Followup: No Notes: The unit was immediately shut down to isolate the leak. The gasket was replaced and the flange bolts were tightened. | Propylene: 203.0 pounds |
| 145808 2013-01-10 | Cause: Compressor RLA-3 C-201 tripped, resulting in flaring. Followup: No Notes: | Propylene: 32.0 pounds | |
| 158676 2014-09-11 | pressure vent on NSHAP | Cause: Pressure Vent failed on the NSHAP. Event emitted approximately 4lbs benzene, 3lbs 1-3-butadiene, and 7 lbs of VOC's. Followup: No Notes: No Information Given. Due to prompt incident response the mitigate the event duration, no RQ's were exceeded. | Benzene: 4.0 pounds 1,3-Butadiene: 3.0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 7.0 pounds |
| 155368 2014-04-19 | Exchanger at BRCP's Neo Acid unit | Cause: 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. Followup: Yes Notes: 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. | Boron Triflouride: 6,133.0 pounds |
| 155154 2014-04-09 | Exchanger | Cause: ExxonMobil Chemical Co had an exchanger leak with potential RQ exceedances for Propylene and HRVOCs. Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Approximately 0.06 lbs of propylene were released as a result of this event. Followup: No Notes: The reports also mention incident 14-01580 that occurred a day prior to this incident. According to initial reports, emissions from these two events exceeded the reportable quantities. The report fails to mention the amount released from incident 14-01580. There is also no mention of the end time for this accident. There is also no mention of what caused the exchanger leak. | Propylene: 0.1 pounds |
| 154306 2014-03-05 | RLA-1 Unit | Cause: On March 5,2014 at approximately 7:21am, a leak was discovered on a flare line at the RLA-1 unit. At the initial notification, a potential reportable quantity excedance for propylene, VOC, isoprene, and methyl chloride was reported. Further refinement of the emissions indicates a current local release of 36 pounds per 24 hours of VOC only. Since event discovery, no reportable quantities have been exceeded. Daily fence line monitoring is being conducted and all readings have been below detectable limits thus far. ExxonMobil is working to safely isolate this release. Any change in release status will be communicated to all agencies. Followup: No Notes: As of the 3/12/2014 letter, the release was ongoing. | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 36.0 pounds |
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