LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

About the Database

ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

Releases of Cumene

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source(s)	Notes	Amount of Release
05-BB009-1870 2007-07-05	tank 263	Cause: STORMS- styrene that is not permitted to be stored in tank in the east area south field tanks were emitted while stored in these tanks. Followup: No Notes: LCCO is being removed from tank 263 (usual incident number not listed, LAC number given instead); this could have been preventable and the Refinery could have reduced rates, however this was not considered prudent under the given circumstances
05-BB009-1787 2005-06-13	tank 766	Cause: level gauge on tank 766 was not responding correctly. Chemicals began flowing out of the drain on the tank. Followup: Yes Notes: foam was sprayed on the tank to reduce exposure and fire potential. The tank was slowly emptied to ensure the roof did not shift and damage the tank.	49.0 pounds
90043 2006-08-16	E-205 A/B exchanger bank on the Heavy Cat Naptha Unit	Cause: the E-205 A/B exchanger bank on the Heavy Cat Naptha Unit was leaking to Cooling Tower #27. The leak is believed to be from corrosion on the tube bundle. Followup: No Notes: This incident was not preventable because the inspection data for this bank of exchangers did not indicate that a failure was imminent. These bundles were tested in January 2005 and were found to have no leaks. Remedial Measures - the exchanger bundle will be inspected and repaired or replaced as appropriate. The reportable quantities for benzene, toluene, naphthalene, volatile organic compounds, xylene mixed isomers, and o-xylene were exceeded. It is possible that the reportable quantities forylene and p-xylene were also exceeded, but available stream specification data does not allow differentiation between the these two isomers	13.0 pounds
89635 2006-08-01	E-205 C/D exchanger bank on the Heavy Cat Naptha Unit	Cause: the E-205 C/D exchanger bank on the Heavy Cat Naptha unit was leaking to Cooling Tower #27. The leak is believed to be from corrosion on the tube bundle. Followup: No Notes: This incident was not preventable because the inspection data for this bank of exchangers did not indicate that a failure was imminent. These bundles were tested in January 2005 and were found to have no leaks. Remedial Measures - the exchanger bundle will be inspected and repaired or replaced as appropriate. The reportable quantities for xylene, benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and volatile organic compounds were all exceeded	6.0 pounds
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.
143543 2012-08-29	2795-V6, Refinery Tank Farm	Cause: ExxonMobil Refinery Plant reported several operating compliance matters and potential RQ exceedances resulting from upset conditions caused by Hurricane Isaac. Tank 109: An external roof vent was discovered missing on tank 109. There was no damage to the floating roof of this tank and there are no additional emissions from the missing vent on the external roof of tank 109. Tank Socks: Multiple tank socks were discovered missing. Tank 785 Pontoon Covers: Four pontoon covers were discovered blown off tank 785. External Storage: No flaring occurred as a result of the temporary shutdown/curtail of butane and isobutane to alternative despositions to eliminate potential flaring Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS): CEMS analyzers at the BRRF may have experienced less than 90% data availability. Followup: No Notes: Tank 109: There were no additional emissions from the missing vent on the external roof of tank 109. Tank Socks: The missing socks will be replaced as soon as possible (or within 45 days). Tank 785 Pontoon Covers: Upon discovery, the pontoon covers were repositioned. There were no excess emissions. External Storage: No flaring occurred as a result of the temporary shutdown/curtail of butane and isobutane to alternative despositions to eliminate potential flaring Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS): ExxonMobil is working to determine the extent to which the CEMS analyzers may have malfunctioned. The findings will be included in the CEMS quarterly report. The report lists a summary of estimated pounds released until repairs. The report suggests that estimates are assuming it would take 45 days to make necessary repairs.