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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

Releases of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

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
211.0 pounds
05-BB009-1905

2005-12-09
leak from underground section of piping
Cause: the leak was caused by external corrosion

Followup: No

Notes: the line was blocked out and temporarily removed from service; the section of the line that leaked is being repaired before the line is returned to service;Discharge was not preventable because there were no previous leaks on this underground section ofline
9,253.0 pounds
05-BB009-1889

2005-11-08
E-552B exchanger
Cause:

Followup: No

Notes: an exchanger crew was called out to return E-552A to service; they plan to evaluate if a metallurgy upgrade is needed on this exchanger; was not preventable because the exchanger was retubed in June of 2003 and historically has a longer run life
8,512.0 pounds
05-BB009-1884

2005-11-07
FLARE- No. 20 & 5
Cause: power failure caused compressor C-551 to shutdown resulting in flaring from No20 and No5 flares

Followup: No

Notes: A smaller compressor was started up to reduce flaring and the feed rates to the Cokers were reduced until C-551 could be restarted; an investigation was underway to determine why the automatic transfer to the backup power supply failed
191.0 pounds
80155

2005-06-28
No3 Depropanizer condensor
Cause: Leak in the overhead piping system was determined to be from internal corrosion

Followup: No

Notes: the No3 depropanizer was shut down and the section of pipe containing the leak will be replaced.
9,568.0 pounds
05-BB009-1803

2005-06-20
tank 82
Cause:

Followup: No

Notes: the line was blocked from the tank and then a pump was used to pull a vacuum on the line, so clamps could be put over the leaks; internal corrosion inspections on similar piping outside the firewall did not show corrosion concerns, therefore internal corrosion was not expect
5,775.0 pounds
No LDEQ Reported

2005-04-22
F-3 furnace
Cause: furnace smoked for 3 minutes because the fuel gas rate to the furnace increased. This was due to the controller typing 3200 instead of 2300 kscf.

Followup: No

Notes: Other controllers were informed of the consequences and were asked to double check manual inputs prior to execution; fuel gas rates were immediately cut back and the air damper was opened.
41.0 pounds
05-BB009-1746

2005-03-24
E3A- & E3B
Cause: safety valves lifted

Followup: No

Notes: There were 2 incidents involved- the 1st did no exceed any reportable quantities, the 2nd incident started on 3/24/05 at 11:21pm and ended at 11:30pm the same day; furnace reboiler was shut down to reduce tower pressure and allow safety valves to reseat; the actual release lasted 9 minutes (from 11:21pm to 11:30pm); the report stated that the safety valve release on 4 LEU was preventable, but the reboiler leak on E-3A was not expected as it was a newer bundle than E-3
44,957.0 pounds
91339

2006-10-13
5 light ends unit T-2 Depropanizer
Cause: the 5 Light Ends Unit T-2 Depropanizer tower reboiler had a leaking channel box. This leak is thought to have been caused by the failure of the channel box seal.

Followup: No

Notes: This incident was not preventable because this reboiler channel box seal failure was unexpected. Remedial Measures - The seal will be replaced. The reportable quantity for butenes has been exceeded.
200.0 pounds
90788

2006-09-21
E-515 B Exchanger on the 2 Light Ends Unit
Cause: the E-515 B Exchanger on the 2 Light Ends Unit was leaking to Cooling Tower #25. The leak is form corrosion on the tube bundle.

Followup: No

Notes: This incident was not preventable because inspection records for this exchanger indicate no history of leaks or premature failure. Records also show that this equipment was last inspected/tested 3 years ago and found to be in good condition. Remedial Measures - the exchanger bundle will be inspected and repaired or replaced, as appropriate. Reportable quantities for propylene and butene have been exceeded
212.0 pounds
90226

2006-08-24
E-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the Coker
Cause: the E-552A and E-553 Exchangers on the Coker were discovered leaking into Cooling Tower #44. The leak on the E-553A was stopped 20 mins. Later while the leak on the E-552A continued until August 26th, 2006. The leaks are believed to have been caused by accelerated corrosion

Followup: No

Notes: This incident was not preventable because inspection reports on these exchanger bundles indicate that both failed prematurely. Remedial Measures - The existing tube bundles will be repaired/replaced as necessary. Metallurgy of these exchangers will be upgraded. Reportable quantities for volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and benzene were exceeded. Note: in the follow up report, it was found that the reportable quantities for hexane, 1,3 Butadiene, and highly reactive volatile organicpounds were exceeded as well. The previously reported level of volatile organic compounds was 8800 and was later found to be 66388, for hydrogen sulfide it was 901/4578, and for benzene it was 59/43
66,388.0 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
12,539.0 pounds
89850

2006-08-04
E-513 A exchanger on the 2 Light Ends Unit
Cause: E-513 A exchanger on the 2 Light Ends unit was leaking hydrocarbon to Cooling Tower #25. The leak is believed to have come from corrosion on the hydrocarbon side of the tube bundle.

Followup: No

Notes: This incident was not preventable because previous inspection reports indicate that this exchanger bundle is less than 6 years old and in serviceable condition. Remedial Measures - this bundle will either be replaced with a new bundle or repaired. A metallurgy upgrade to 410 stainless steel is being evaluated. Replacement and/or upgrade of exchanger bundles in similar is also being considered. LDEQ reportable quantities for butenes, propylene, highly reactive volatile organic compounds, and 1,3adiene were exceeded
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
6,955.0 pounds
87870

2006-05-16
D-104 Hydrocracker
Cause: the clamp on the Hydrocracker D-104 overhead line was leaking. The pressure of the overhead gas was reduced and several attempts were made to reseal the clamp, including trying several different kinds of sealant. The leak would stop for a short durationand then return

Followup: No

Notes: As of 7:30am on 5/22/2006 - the date of this letter - the leak was ongoing. In this letter, Exxon claims states that the reportable quantities for hydrogen sulfide and flammable vapor were exceeded only during the first 24 hours of the incident. This incident was not preventable because the clamp was considered to be a permanent repair (installed in Dec. 2005) until the scheduled unit downtime in 2008. Remedial Measures- a larger engineered clamp will be installed over the existing clamp. "
40.0 pounds
87621

2006-05-04
E-3 exchanger on the Coker
Cause: the leak is believed to have been caused by corrosion and erosion

Followup: No

Notes: There is no information whatsoever as to why the accident was preventable. Remedial Measures- the bundle was replaced with a new bundle. In the letter to LDEQ, Exxon states that the reportable quantities for hydrogen sulfide and benzene were exceeded
1,785.0 pounds
87643

2006-05-02
Sample Cooler
Cause: process continued to try to find the source of the leak, which was originally thought to be two exchangers but was later found to be coming from a sample cooler

Followup: No

Notes: The accident was not preventable because there were no previous leaks on this exchanger (is an exchanger the same as the above sampling cooler? - where did the leak actually come from?). Remedial measures - the leaking cooler is being removed from service. LDEQ reportable quantities exceeded for volatile organic compounds
10,300.0 pounds
86579

2006-03-18
East Train Hydrofiner (HHLA-E)
Cause: -Exchanger on the East Train Hydrofiner (HHLA-E) was leaking into a cooling tower. The seating surface and gasket on the floating head were upgraded during the turnaround. Operations personnel installed the exchanger correctly . However, when the exchanger was worked offsite, the contracting company installed the wrong bolts in the floating head of the exchanger. The bolts broke due to wet hydrogen sulfide cracking which caused the exchanger to leak. Note: the accident started at 10:00am on 03/17/06 but was not discovered until 1:50pm on 03/18/2006

Followup: No

Notes: The cause of the accident is listed as preventable in the company's report, but there is no explanation whatsoever as to why it was preventable - that section is blank. In the report it does state that further investigation of the incident is currently being conducted. Remedial measure are listed as - the exchanger bolts replaced with appropriate material for the predetermined run length. Reportable quantities were exceeded for hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compounds
18,121.0 pounds
86453

2006-03-13
E-553B Exchanger at the coker
E-553B Exchanger leak at the coker
Cause: -the E-553B exchanger on the Coker was leaking to Cooling Tower #44. The leak is believed to be from the corrosion on the tube bundle.

Followup: No

Notes: Remedial measures - The leaking tube on the E-553 exchanger will be plugged and the exchanger will be pressure tested before it is returned to service. The accident was not preventable because the exchanger had not leaked previously and the tube bundle was approximately 18 months old. The report letter to LDEQ states that the reportable quantities for benzene, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, and 1,3-butadine were exceeded.
26,738.0 pounds
85618

2006-02-04
F-600 furnace at No. 2 Reformer / Powerformer Feed Hydrotreater (RHLA-2) / No. 2 Powerformer
Cause: an instrument malfunction caused the F-600 furnace on the No. 2 Reformer to shut down. The shutdown of F-600 resulted in the Powerformer Feed Hydrotreater (RHLA-2) and the No. 2 Powerformer shutting down. The Powerformer is a major supplier of hydrogen to the refinery, and with the reduction in hydrogen supply, several units were forced to significantly reduce rates or shut down. The Feed Preparation Unit feeds RHLA-2 and with this unit shut down a valve was opened to send this stream from Feed Preparation to tankage. There is a second valve in this line that is normally open, but during this time it was closed. The second valve being closed led to a pressure increase in T-31 and caused the safety valve to release. The towe pressure was returne

Followup: No

Notes: Remeidal Measures - An investigation is ongoing and appropriate follow-up actions will be completed. Exxon states in their report that the accident was preventable. Their explanation is that the safety valve did not restart as it should have, nor did the operator know the second valve was closed. Could this be human error in addition to Instrument failur
126,756.0 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.
112,639.0 pounds
99196

2007-09-05
Exchanger leak
Cause: under deposit corrosion of tube bundle

Followup: No

Notes: The leaking exchanger was bypassed and removed from service. The metallurgy in the tube bundle is being upgraded to duplex stainless steel. Other exchangers have either been upgraded or soon to be in the near future.
1,239.0 pounds
97173

2007-06-17
Leak-tower leak
Cause: Internal and external

Followup: Yes

Notes: Tower shut down to stop leak. Tower repaired before returned to service
3,275.0 pounds
95549

2007-04-22
Flare/Safety valve release
Cause: leaking seal/safety valve release

Followup: Yes

Notes: Several actions were taken to avoid or reduce the environmental impacts from this incident. The different gas streams were redirected in a manner appropriate to minimize emissions.
6,828.0 pounds
94023

2007-02-17
safety valve release
Cause: safety valve release

Followup: No

Notes: unit feedrate was reduced until the faulty indicator could be repaired.
10,527.0 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
561.0 pounds
111659

2008-12-29
NIG
Cause: An exchanger leaked and material got into cooling tower water.

Followup: No

Notes: The exchanger was isolated to stop the leak. Release was BRQ.
108484

2008-09-02
FLARE-Sour Water Stripper routed to flare
Cause: STORMS-Hurricane Gustav

Followup: No

Notes: no information given
12,228.0 pounds
108485

2008-09-01
FLARE- All 8 flares
FLARE-All 8 flares
Cause: STORMS-Hurricane Gustav

Followup: No

Notes: Refinery was safely and sytematically shutdown due to the hurricane. Learning from this even will be incorporated into future hurricane preparations.
7,690.0 pounds
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.
692.0 pounds
107363

2008-07-18
Spill/suction line
Cause: Leaking oil was caused by an improperly installed blind on a common suction line used for mixing gasoline components.

Followup: No

Notes: A vacuum truck immediately began to pick up the pooled oil. The blind was reinstalled and other installations for the same mechanical work were checked. Contaminated soil removed. The LDEQ reportable quantity for oil to soil (1 barrel) was exceeded and the RQ for Benzene (10 lbs) was also exceeded. Amount of Light Cat Naptha released was 11.3 barrels and amount of benzene released was 31.7 pounds.
2,904.0 pounds
106980

2008-07-07

Cause: A heat exchanger was leaking into cooling water. The leak is suspected to be release a volume of gases that exceed the RQ.

Followup: No

Notes: The plan was to isolate the exchanger and stop the leak.
5,000.0 pounds
107010

2008-07-06
Pulldown line leak/FLARE-Flare 5,17,29
Cause: Leak was discovered on the pulldown line for the Product Separator Drum at the Powerformer Unit. Initial findings indicate that the leak was caused by internal corrosion of the weld in a stagnant area of the line.

Followup: No

Notes: The line could not be isolated from the drum, so the decision was made to shutdown the unit in order to stop the leak. The line was completely depressured. During the process of shutting down the unit, flaring occurred from the #5, 17, and 19 flared. No reportable quantities were exceeded as a result of the flaring. Regular air monitoring was conducted during this event. The spool piece that leaked was replaced with a straight piece of pipe to eliminate the stagnant area in the line. Reportable quantities for benzene and flammable vapors was exceeded.
949.0 pounds
105635

2008-05-15

Cause: There was a hole in a pipe that fed a compressor

Followup: No

Notes: It was in the process of getting fixed at time of SPOC report.
5,000.0 pounds
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.
104916

2008-04-18

Cause: They were starting up a unit and the flange started leaking on the exchanger.

Followup: No

Notes: Amount of pollutant released is unknown.
104779

2008-04-16
oil spill to soil
Cause: An apprentice operator at West Complex was transferring lube oil from #9 agitator to a product tank. The pump lost suction, the operator assumed the level of oil in the drum was minimal, and the transfer operation was stopped. Per normal procedure, the drain valve was opened to send the remaining residual material to the slop tank via an enclosed sump system. The unattended open valve was found after the shift change. Meanwhile, the sump pumping system was overwhelmed, the lube oil backed up into the agitator basin and spilled over the concrete and entered the sewer.

Followup: No

Notes: The amount of material remaining in the agitator was grossly underestimated and the operator left the valve open while attending to another task. The open valve was immediately blocked to stop the release. A vacuum truck began to pick up the pooled oil from the sewer, concrete, and soil. A project to install a high level alarm on the sump is being considered. This alarm would notify the operator of a high level in the sump such that appropriate actions can be taken to prevent an overfill incident. The employee was counseled to follow appropriate procedures and no leave open valves unattended. The contaminated soil was removed.
358.0 pounds
104820

2008-04-16

Cause: There was a leak into the boiler feed water system at the far east coker unit.

Followup: No

Notes: They were attempting to isolate the source. Amount of PAH's and VOC's released is estimated at 2 barrel.
102970

2008-02-10
oil spill
Cause: Crude oil was discovered leaking from a low flow switch on a pump discharge line. The cause of the leaking switch is unknown at this time.

Followup: Yes

Notes: written report from Exxon Mobile surrounding oil spill incident stating other pollutants that had been released into the soil and their quantities. The pump was shut down and blocked to stop release of oil. A vacuum truck picked up pooled soil and soil remediation was initiated. Spill was located with in Anchorage Tank Farm in West Baton Rouge PArish. The low flow switch was removed and a blank was installed in its place.
596.0 pounds
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
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
118829

2009-10-17
transfer piping
Cause: Failure of line of transfer piping from gasoline tankage to loading line due to corrosion at the air-soil interface of piping.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ exceeded. Isolated line with blind installation. Replaced with new piping and special program has been initiated to emphasis piping that may be subject to air-soil interface corrosion. Contaminated soil removed. The refinery letter misstates that the accident occurred on 08/21/09. The following RQs were exceeded: xylene, toulene, ethylbenzene, napthalene, benzene, n-hexane, cyclohexane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, VOCs, oil to soil, and flammable vapor.
296,468.0 pounds
116863

2009-07-28
flare system
Cause: PCLA-2 Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit restart caused discharge. Unit unexpectedly shutdown earlier in the day. Restart caused pressure to build and ultimately flaring.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ for SO2 exceeded. State Police HAZMAT report and company reports differ in pollutants. Feed was reduced o the unit, temperatures within unit was decreased and compressor was restarted.
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.
116294

2009-07-07
flare system
Cause: Safety valve lifted in the plant which caused 6 different flares to ignite.

Followup: No

Notes: This release estimate exceeds RQs. The incident was secured. LABB only has access to the SPOC verbal report, and all of these quantities are the initial estimates.
5,000.0 pounds
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.
115082

2009-05-19
pressure relief valves
pressure relief valve
Cause: An Unexpected shutdown of a hydrocracker was caused by a failed thermocouple. The thermocouple failed, resulting in a low temperature reading, but then began reading erroneously high. The false high temperature reading resulted in the automatic emergency shutdown of the hydrocracking unit. The thermocouple is connected to the emergency shutdown to protect the unit from temperature runaway. The shutdown device reacted as designed.

Followup: No

Notes: Unit was shutdown and area secured. The RQs for flammable vapor, VOCs, H2S, and benzene was exceeded.
94,114.0 pounds
114924

2009-05-12
flare system
Cause: Personnel was making valve alignment changes when a block valve on the suction of the coker compressor was inadvertently closed. This caused the pressure to build in the overhead system until the pressure exceeded that of pressure vent set point. The pressure vents opened, resulting in overhead vapor to be released to the flare system, which resulted in the flaring of the hydrocarbon.

Followup: No

Notes: The RQ for SO2 was exceeded. The valve was reopened. Additional training and discussion was held for the personnel about the importance of valve misalignment. Company letter and State Police HAZMAT report differs on pollutant released.
500.0 pounds
114573

2009-04-30
No Information Given
Cause: Leak occurred, but no information provided regarding the cause.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ not exceeded. LABB does not have access to the LDEQ incident report.
113795

2009-03-30
No Information Given
Cause: Safety valve lifted on tank. Pressure dropped.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ not exceeded.
112781

2009-02-16
No Information Given
Cause: According to the SPOC verbal report, a leak from the bottom of a tank caused the release.

Followup: No

Notes: Release is BRQ.
112619

2009-02-09
No Information Given
Cause: According to the SPOC report, there is a leak of VOCs into cooling tower water, but no information given regarding the cause. Source of the leak is unknown.

Followup: No

Notes: Exxon vacuumed the foam and minimized vaporization to the atmosphere. Release is BRQ.
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.
127376

2010-10-28
FLARE
Cause: Pressure instrument failed & resulted in flaring. FLARE.

Followup: No

Notes: BRQ. Below Reportable Quantities.
124190

2010-06-12
Tank 261
Cause: Leaking access hatch on tank #261 released mixed gas oil.

Followup: No

Notes: Repaired hatch by tightening bolts to stop leaking.
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."
9,727.0 pounds
122839

2010-04-19
no information given
Cause: During start up of a unit, foam was discovered in a cooling tower which indicates a leak of VOCs. Investigation is going on to determine which heat exchanger was leaking VOCs.

Followup: No

Notes: No RQs exceeded. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report.
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.
7,897.0 pounds
122467

2010-03-30
No Information Given
Cause: Worker discovered ice ball around flange which indicates a leak of gas had occurred.

Followup: No

Notes: Equipment shut down, leak isolated and repaired. This release was BRQ.
121915

2010-03-05
Tank Transfer Piping
Cause: Underground corrosion caused a failure in the line of tank transfer piping.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ. When the leak was discovered, the underground line was isolated via block valves. The failed line was CLAMPED to prevent further leaks. Contaminated soil was removed to confirm the leak source. Refinery letter also states that there were "no offsite impacts, injuries, or complaints as a result of this incident."
20,236.0 pounds
120611

2010-01-08
flare
Cause: Over pressure to flare due to cold weather. LDEQ indicates it is a safety issue and flared with smoke. No information given as to amounts of releases.

Followup: No

Notes: LABB only has access to LDEQ incident report. No information provided if release was BRQ.
136029

2011-12-20
PSLA #10 quench line flange
Cause: The release resulted from a leak caused by a loose flange.

Followup: Yes

Notes: A pan was placed under the leaking flange to collect oil for reprocessing, and to mitigate further release of the material to soil. The bolts were replaced and tightened which stopped the leak. The contaminated soil was remediated immediately after the leak was isolated. 1.5 barrels of Coker feed (or 63 gallons) was also spilt to soil but is not reported as a specific pollutant emitted. However, coker feed has the same RQ as crude oil (1 barrel or 42 gallons) and is thus exceeded. The RQ for PAHs was also exceeded.
544.8 pounds
135484

2011-11-23
cooling tower 52
Cause: Potential leak in cooling tower 52. Instrument erroneously reported that a sample taken for testing was nigh in VOCs but further investigation showed there was no release to the cooling tower.

Followup: No

Notes: Samples taken and results were erroneously high. There was no release to the cooling tower. This was confirmed using the El Paso cooling tower sample method.
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.
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.
73.6 pounds
135091

2011-11-03
Exchanger (unspecified location)
Cause: An exchanger is leaking and Exxon is currently assessing the situation to determine how to correct.

Followup: No

Notes: They assessed the situation and determined how to correct it. No detailed information given regarding remedial actions.
43.0 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.
1,441.7 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.
4,813.0 pounds
132753

2011-07-27
Cooling Tower CT-53
Cause: There was a false report of a leak of Xylene and VOCs at Cooling Tower CT-53. The false indication was do to a coincident addition of water treatment chemicals to the system. Therefore there was no release and no RQs were exceeded.

Followup: No

Notes: No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event.
132481

2011-07-18
Cooling Tower 39
Cause: Cooling Tower 39 sample had high VOC content, but no information is provided about the cause of the release.

Followup: No

Notes: This release does not exceed reportable quantity. The RQ for VOCs by the LDEQ is 5,000 pounds.
1,829.0 pounds
131866

2011-06-16
Cooling tower CT-39
Cause: High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39.

Followup: Yes

Notes: The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th.
131831

2011-06-14
Cooling tower CT-39
Cause: High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39.

Followup: No

Notes: The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th.
131613

2011-06-07
Cooling tower CT-39
Cause: High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39.

Followup: Yes

Notes: BRQ. The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th.
133503

2011-03-22
Exchanger on KDLA unit, tower #22
Cause: An exchanger on the KDLA unit, tower #22 is leaking VOCs.

Followup: No

Notes: The exchangers were isolated and tested to find the leak. The initial sample results were erroneously high and no reportable quantities were exceeded.
130000

2011-03-18
Cooling Tower #25: exchanger
Cause: LDEQ states that a leak developed in the exchanger at cooling tower #25, resulting in the release of volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, benzene and propylene.

Followup: No

Notes: The cooling tower exchangers were blocked out and repaired. LDEQ report only. No Refinery Letter.
1,912.0 pounds
129079

2011-02-06
Valve Bonnet Gasket
Valve Bonnet Gasket & Exchanger E-527
Cause: TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON SAME DAY & INCLUDED IN SAME REPORT. Emissions from second incident breached the reportable threshold for a 24-hour period. First incident - LDEQ states that there was a leak in a valve bonnet gasket. Lube oil was spilled. 2nd incident involved a release from Light Ends Unit #3. Exchanger E-527 leaked into a condensate system that is open to the atmosphere. A follow up report will be submitted with the root cause in 30 days.

Followup: No

Notes: RQ. The valve was isolated to prevent further release. Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil, and soil remediation is complete.
5,036.0 pounds
135182

2012-10-24
valve at the HCLA unity C-102B compressor
HCLA unity C-102B compressor
Cause: HCLA unit C-102B compressor developed a leak near the threads of the valve. Approximately 52 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 221 pounds of flammable vapor, and less than 1 pound of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were released.

Followup: No

Notes: After further evaluation, ExxonMobil determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded.
52.0 pounds
141822

2012-08-03
Furnace F-334
Cause: A packing leak was discovered on the bypass valve at the furnace (F-334)at the Powerformer unit.

Followup: No

Notes: No reportable quantities were exceeded due to prompt incident response. States that approximately 730 lbs of flammable vapor and VOCs were released in this incident, but does not say if that is the combined amount, or if applies to both pollutants.
730.0 pounds
140708

2012-06-25
analyzer supply line
Cause: An analyzer supply line was discovered leaking.

Followup: No

Notes: Upon discovery the liquid material was collected on absorbent pads, and properly disposed of. The line was immediately isolated and depressured to stop the leak.
7.8 pounds
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.
2.8 pounds
140446

2012-06-13
Line 679 in the Gas Collection area

Cause: There was a leak in line 679 in the Gas Collection area, due to unanticipated corrosion of the piping. Identified the corrosion was not noted in previous inspection and a clamp was used until the pipe could be replaced.

Followup: No

Notes: The line was isolated to be de-pressured, and all hydrocarbon material was removed from the line. A clamp was installed on the line to prevent recurrence, and other areas of the piping have been inspected for potential corrosion. Other areas of the line have been inspected for potential corrosion. Piping areas identified to have reduced wall thickness will be replaced by the end of 2012. The RQ for Flammable vapor is 1,000 pounds, and the RQ for VOCs is 5,000 pounds.
9,887.5 pounds
138524

2012-03-30
Cooling tower #32
Cause: Sample results indicated a release to cooling tower #32. The initial test results that indicated possible releases were later found to be erroneous, and there was no release to the cooling tower.

Followup: No

Notes: The refinery letter states that the initial test results were erroneously high, and there was no release to the cooling tower.
137359

2012-02-18
FLARE: Flare #7
Cause: Excessive rainfall caused an electrical ground fault to occur with some of the compressor's control instrumentation causing the three compressors to shut down. excesses gases were released to the flares.

Followup: No

Notes: Air monitoring occurred and eventually two of the three compressors were brought back on-line and flaring ceased. There is no refinery Incident report and no SPOC report attached to this file.
6,421.8 pounds
152732

2013-12-05
HCLA Unit
Cause: On December 5, the Recycle Feed pump at the HCLA unit experienced an unplanned shut down, causing material to be released to the site's flare gas system and atmospheric safety valves to lift. The unplanned shutdown occurred while swapping the in-service pump with a spare pump for a preventable maintenance inspection. The Recycle Feed pump was immediately isolated and unit feed rate was safely and quickly decreased to minimize flaring and emissions to the atmosphere. This incident is under investigation to determine the exact root cause and to provide mitigating steps to prevent recurrence. The reportable quantity for flammable vapor, VOC, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and benzene was exceeded as a result of this event. Follow up report submitted 1/30/2014. Investigation of the accident indicated the failure occurred due to a reverse over speed event caused by a failed pump discharge check valve.

Followup: Yes

Notes: Immediately upon the pump shutdown, unit feed rate was safely and quickly decreased to minimize flaring and emissions to the atmosphere. Installed two new check valves on the common discharge line in this service to mitigate backward flow.
7,243.0 pounds
152638

2013-12-01
No Information Given
Cause: Flaring occurred at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery (BRRF) on December 1, 2013. Approximately 0.75 pounds of PAH and 214 pounds of VOC were released.

Followup: No

Notes: After further evaluation, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded.
214.0 pounds
152086

2013-10-30
No Information Given
Cause:

Followup: No

Notes: Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded.
140.0 pounds
151115

2013-09-19
Reboiler
Cause: On September 19, Exxon Refinery had a release of VOC's caused by a leak in a reboiler to a low pressure condensate system.

Followup: No

Notes: Due to prompt incident response the mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded.
13.0 pounds
148727

2013-05-15
Sewer
Cause: On May 15, 2013 at approximately 8:20 a.m. Exxon Mobil received an odor complaint from an employee checking the sewer seal box near the KDLA unit along 15th street. Upon further investigation light hydrocarbon material was detected coming from the sewer. Precautionary safety measures were taken by limiting access to this area within the facility. Air monitoring was conducted at the sewer grade, 6 feet away from the sewer, and along the fence line. Directly at the sewer Exxon Mobil received a maximum benzene reading of 8 pp. Six feet away from the closed sewer and at the fence line all readings for benzene and VOC were below the detection limit 0.05 ppm and 1 ppm respectively.

Followup: No

Notes: The sewer system was flushed at approximately 11:50 a.m. and an all clear notice was given at approximately 12:30 p.m. Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Less than 1 pound of benzene and VOC were released as a result of this event.
148249

2013-04-20
E-26-1
Cause: On April 20, 2013 at the Baton Rouge Refinery work was being conducted on the #8 Pipestill unit when a potential exchanger leak of crude oil underneath insulation was discovered on E-26-1. Upon further investigation during the next shift no leak source could be identified.

Followup: No

Notes: The initial refinery letter stated that the insulation on exchanger E-26-1 will be removed in the next four to six weeks (of April 25, 2013) to determine a potential leak source. The report indicates the quantity of volatile organic compounds to be undetermined, but does not suggest if the quantity released is below or above reportable quantity. At the time of the incident, the weather conditions were as follows: 71 degrees Fahrenheit with a 7 mph wind from the East and no precipitation. LABB has been unable to locate follow up reports providing further information.
146414

2013-02-02
storage tank
Cause: On February 2, 2013, a tank roof separated from the rim of tank releasing material to air. Initial contact with SPOC indicated a possible release exceeding 1 pound RQ limit of PAHs. The rim had separated from the roof of a storage tank at the facility. The tank was isolated. No estimate was available of how much material the tank contained. At approximately 5:08pm, Louisiana State Police was notified of a potential release of hydrogen sulfide over the reportable quantity.

Followup: No

Notes: Flow to the tank was shut off. SPOC states that caller reported 6ppm for VOCs during one update call.
159786

2014-11-05
OSD area
Cause: On November 5, 2014 the Baton Rouge Refinery experienced an oil spill to soil in the OSD area of approximately 53 barrels. During rounds, Dock personnel discovered oil leaking from a flange on the #2 fuel line.

Followup: No

Notes: Upon discovery, the line was depressured and the flange gasket was replaced. Vacuum trucks were used to remove the oil. Soil remediation was completed on November 8 2014.
16,286.0 pounds
159407

2014-10-12
No information given
Cause: Release of methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, flammable vapor and volatile organic compounds. No information about accident cause provided.

Followup: No

Notes:
395.0 pounds
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.
5,940.0 pounds
157413

2014-07-14
No Information Given
Cause:

Followup: No

Notes:
52.0 pounds
156772

2014-06-11
No Information Given
Cause: An incident resulted in the release of approximately 1,562 pounds of Volatile Organic Compounds and 244 pounds of flammable vapor.

Followup: No

Notes:
1,562.0 pounds
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.
8,658.0 pounds
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.
12,769.0 pounds
153571

2014-01-25
NIG
Cause: On January 25, 2014 at 09:15, there was a release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a process unit leak.

Followup: No

Notes: To secure the leak, the unit of origin was in the process of shutting down. State police notification states that VOC readings 60 ft away from the incident has a reading of 6.8 ppm, VOC reading at 120 ft away has no reading.
180.0 pounds