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Valero (1238), Meraux

Releases of NOx

LDEQ Accident Number
Accident Date		 Point Source(s) Notes Amount of Release
155532

2014-04-24		reformer separator vessel
Cause: Facility was recovering from an unexpected shutdown of the benzene reduction unit. The reformer unit, which had earlier shut down, was in the process of restarting. During this restart, a gaseous stream was directed from the reformer separator vessel into the north flare. Exceedences of the north flare's NOx permit limit occurred during this period, and they will be reported in the upcoming Title V deviation report. There were no CEM exceedences from operating units. Elevated SO2 readings were measured at the #3 SRU incinerator; however, this unit had been shut down earlier and flow through the incinerator was negligible. No RQs released.

Followup: No

Notes:
155422

2014-04-21		Benzene Reduction Unit
Cause: Refinery representatives told inspector that the refinery was recovering from an unexpected shutdown of the benzene reduction unit (BRU). The reformer unit, which had earlier shut down, was in the process of restarting. During this restart, a gaseous stream (primarily hydrogen) was directed from the reformer separator vessel to the north flare. Exceedances of the north flare's NOx permit level occurred. Those amounts are slated to be included in the next published Title V deviation report. No reportable quantities were exceeded. There were no CEMS exceedances. The north flare had a visible flame that was not exceptional in size or velocity. No citizen complaints were logged by the facility. The DEQ inspector was notified of the event because of a citizen complaint related to a loud boom heard inside the home.

Followup: No

Notes: No numerical data provided about amount of release. No followup included. Another citizen complaint occurred at 2100 on the same day. Believed to be associated with the same incident. That report was not entered into the database, but the LDEQ reference number is 155425.