LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

Releases in 2005

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source/Release	Cause	Notes
84745-84794 2005-12-22	Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit Train 2 Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 1,017 pounds Nitric Oxide - 888 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 99 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 381,000 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Instrument malfunction caused the automatic shutdown of the refinery sulfur recovery unit train 2, resulting in the routing of refinery acid gas to the flare system (No. 1). Equipment malfunction on SRU 2...leak ongoing...NOX, SO2, H2S. Siting the related incident, ldeq # 84794: According to the refinery, an electrical supply malfunction on the Rich DGA Pump G-8291 caused the automatic shutdown of the refinery Sulfur Recovery Unit Train 2. The shutdown resulted in routing of refinery acid gas to the flare system Loss of one of the amine circulating pumps #g8291 on SRU train 2...NOX, NO2, SO2, H2S	The following details are for LDEQ incident # 84745, but there is another event (ldeq 84794) which will be discussed in further detail in the 2nd section below: Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operations and restart of the impacted process unit. Repairs were made to applicable instrumentation and SRU Train 2 was restarted, ending the incident. The refinery has initiated an investigation into the cause of this incident. Based on the result of that investigation, appropriate measures will be taken in order to prevent a recurrence due to the same cause. SO2, H2S, nitric oxide, NO2 released to atmosphere through the refinery number 1 flare and to a lesser extent via the refinery sulfur recovery unit thermal oxidizer stack. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operations and restart of the impacted process unit. Repairs were made to applicable instrumentation and SRU Train 2 was restarted, ending the incident. In a separate but related incident report that is linked to the event detailed above (LDEQ # 84794) the following details pertain to that release, but the pollutant totals have been combined: pollutants from incident number 84794 have been combined in the pollutant totals in the table below, but the original report for 84794 had listed these quantities which have all been added to the totals mentioned in report 84745: Hydrogen Sulfide 273.0 pounds Nitric Oxide 239.0 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide 27.0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide 103,560.0 pounds Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operations and restart of the impacted process unit. Repairs were made to applicable electrical equipment and SRU train 2 was restarted, ending the incident. The refinery has initiated an investigation into the cause of this incident. Based on the result of that investigation, appropriate measures will be taken in order to prevent a recurrence due to the same cause. The Sulfur recovery unit train 1 (SRUTR1) which included the release of 33375 lbs of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere through the facility's Refinery Sulfur Recovery Unit Thermal Oxidizer Stack. The emissions occurred intermittently from 12/22-25/05 over 35 hour time frame. The unit was shutdown over this timeframe to make necessary repairs. An investigation concluded that a dip-leg of srut1 unit was identified and the unit had to be shutdown. Further investigations revealed that SRUTR1 unit was shutdown prior to katrina and was brought back on line on 12/22/05 when the incident occurred. The shutdown to the SRUT2 resulted in the routing of refinery acid gas to the flare system from 12/22-23/05 for 13.5 hour timeframe. The unit was shutdown over this timeframe to make necessary repairs. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operations and restart of the impacted process unit. Repairs were made to applicable electric equipment and SRU Train 2 was restarted, ending the incident. Appropriate measures will be taken in order to prevent a recurrence due to the same cause. These releases of sulfur dioxide exceed reportable quantity. Incident #84745 occurred 12/22 to 12/23 and Incident #84794 occurred from 12/24 to 12/25. The two reports here are also linked to a third report, LDEQ Incident #84723 which is separate on our database.
84723 2005-12-22	Point Source(s): Dip-leg of SRUTR1 Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 33,375 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset At approximately 0200 hours on 12/22/05 plugging on a dip-leg SRUTR1 was identified and the unit was shut down. During shutdown and hot stand-by of the unit emissions occur via the THOX.	The Chalmette Refinery notified regarding malfunction of the refinery sulfur recovery unit train 1 (SRUTR1), including release of sulfur dioxide (S02) beginning 12/22/05 and continuing intermittently until 12/25/05 during the shutdown and preparation of impacted equipment. Sulfur dioxide released to atmosphere through the Refinery Sulfur Recovery Unit Thermal Oxidizer (THOX) Stack. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly shutdown of the impacted unit. The refinery has initiated an investigation into the cause of this incident. Based on the result of that investigation, appropriate measures will be taken in order to prevent a recurrence due to the same cause. The SO2 emissions of 33,375 lbs exceed reportable quantity. This amount is a part of the total SO2 emissions found in LDEQ incident #84745-84794. This Incident is closely related to LDEQ incident # 84745-84794 in our database.
84684 2005-12-20	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 77 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	Chalmette Refinery is rescinding the December 20, 2005 notification. Upon further review, the event that prompted the call was not a reportable incident. The incident did not result in a reportable release as defined by the applicable regulations. CELLC is rescinding the notification made relative to Sulfur Dioxide. Upon further review, the total amount of S02 released is estimated to be less than the reportable quantity. The reportable quantity for S02 is 500 pounds. They estimate that approximately 77 pounds of S02 was released during the December 20, 205. The release did not cause an emergency condition. Therefore, notification was not required.
84681 2005-12-19	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker (HCU) Second Stage Make-up Hydrogen Compressor (K-2302) Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 79 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Operation personnel determined that the Hydrocracker (HCU) Second Stage Make-up Hydrogen Compressor (K2302) alignment and unit conditions were causing a pressure safety valve (PSV) to relieve refinery grid hydrogen to the flare.	A notification was made regarding a release of Nitric Oxide (NO) on 12/19/2005. At approximately 1758 hours on 12/19/05, excess flare volume was identified and a search of process units was initiated to locate the source. At approximately 2224 hours the source of the flaring was identified and isolated. Upon identification of the flaring source emissions calculations were completed and agency notifications made. A search located the source of excess flare gas. The situations which caused the PSV to relieve the flare were modified, ending the incident. Normal procedures for HCU startup will be reviewed in order to evaluate line-ups that could result in flaring and modify them if appropriate.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-12-18	Point Source(s): Coker 2 Wet Gas Compressor K8101 Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 254 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 28 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 26,127 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 70 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Compressor went into high alarm for high vibration. It was determined that the vibration probe had provided a false alarm due to a faulty connection. Coker 2 Wet Gas Compressor K8101 went into alarm for high vibration on 12/18/2005.	This is a letter rescining the notification made relative to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). Upon further review, the total amount of H2S is estimated to be less than the reportable quantity (RQ= 100 lbs). Chalmette refinery estimates that approximately 70 lbs of H2S was released to the atmosphere during the 12/18/05 event. In order to avoid equipment damage and associated emissions, refinery personnel shut down the machine in order to evaluate and develop a repair strategy. The vibration probe was repaired and the machine was put back in service, ending the incident. Instrument and electrical connections directly related to K8101 were double checked for proper connections in order to avoid a recurrence due to the same root cause. It was determined that the vibration probe had provided a false alarm due to a faulty connection. The vibration probe was repaired and the machine was put back in service, ending the incident. Instrument and electrical connections directly related to K8101 were double checked for proper connections in order to avoid a recurrence due to the same root cause. Although the facility claims that this was a false alarm, there must have been some type of equipment failure to result in the release of 26,127 lbs of sulfur dioxide. The incident released 26,127 lbs of S02, which exceeds the reportable quantity for S02 (RQ= 500 lbs).
84474 2005-12-10	Point Source(s): Wet Gas Compressor K8101 Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 91 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 10 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 9,361 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 25 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Coker 2 Wet Gas Compressor K8101 shutdown on multiple occasion for uncertain reasons. On December 13, 2005 it was determined that some shutdown relay wiring on K8101 had become less secure than required for consistent operations.	Chalmette Refinery notified the office regarding a release of Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, and Hydrogen Sulfide on December 10,12, and 13. This is a notification by CRLLC rescinding the notification made relative to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). Upon further review, the total amount of Hydrogen Sulfide is estimated to be less than the reportable quantity. The RQ for H2S is 100 pounds. Chalmette Refinery estimates that approximately 25 pounds of H2S was released to the atmosphere during the combination of the events. The incident occurred on four separate occasions, during three days. Due to incremental emissions caused by downtime of K8101, the compressor was re-started as quickly as possible during the trips on 12/10 and 12/12. On 12/12, when the compressor once again tripped, the machine was left off-line and refinery instrument and electrical resources were mobilized to conduct more extensive evaluation of the machine before re-start. Coker 2 rates were reduced in order to reduce emissions. It was determined on 12/13/05 that some shutdown relay wiring on K8101 had become less secure than required for consistent operations. The wiring was reinstalled, and the machine was re-started ending the incident. The machine was left off-line until refinery instrument and electrical resources could be mobilized to conduct more extensive evaluation of the machine before re-start. K8101 was repaired in order to minimize recurrence due to the same root cause. Sulfur Dioxide, Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide released to atmosphere through the refinery No. 1 flare.
84418 2005-12-09	Point Source(s): Slop Oil Line Pollutant(s): Slop Oil - 0 Benzene - 288 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A leak had occurred from a slop oil line between a benzene storage take and a larger, aromatics feed storage tank.	At approximately 0345 hours on December 9, 2005 refinery personnel identified a hydrocarbon odor on the refinery property. The area was located within the refinery, along the south side of the Hydrodesulfurization Unit. After investigating the odor it was determined that a leak had occurred from a slop oil line between a benzene storage tank and a larger, aromatics feed storage tank. Liquid recovered was returned to refinery slop oil for processing. Excavated soils were containerized on staged on site pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. When the situation was discovered, the transfer was stopped immediately, ending the incident. The line has been removed from service and inspected in order to implement an appropriate repair plan. The section of the line which resulted in this release is being replaced with new piping. The refinery claims that the liquid released was contained on refinery property and recovered via vacuum truck. No migration off of refinery property or to groundwater has been observed. Excavated soils were containerized and staged on site pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. *The quantity of benzene and slop oil, although listed as separate pollutants below have one quantity totally 288 pounds (39.3 gallons).
84328 2005-12-05	Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit Thermal Oxidizer Stack Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 2,371 pounds Nitric Oxide - 2,070 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 230 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 900,344 pounds	Cause of Problem: Power Failure Loss of power triggered upset of refinery and shutdown of the refinery's operating sulfur recovery unit.	A power outage and refinery shutdown resulted in flaring, including a release of Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide beginning 12/5/05 and continuing intermittently during the repair of equipment damaged by the outage. The power outage occurred when Entergy was doing some work at the Meraux substation. The entire refinery lost power. The units are now back on line but at minimal rates while repairs are being performed. The refinery is still flaring S02 and H2S because there was damage to the sulphur plant. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operation and restart of some refinery process units. Refinery Management has met with Entergy to stress the impact of this incident and request that appropriate measures be taken in order to prevent a recurrence. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintains a safe and orderly stabilization of refinery operations and restart of some refinery process units. This is clearly far exceeding the reportable quantity for sulfur dioxide (RQ=500 lbs).
84247 2005-12-02	Point Source(s): Pressure Safety Value Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 57 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Unexpected blockage caused backpressure in the unit causing a PSV to relieve to the flare.	A relief valve failed..NOX The refinery reported a release of Nitric Oxide (NO) on 12/2/05 at approximately 0743 hours causing flaring. The cause of the flaring was identified and isolated at approximately 0923 hours. Total duration was approximately one hour and 41 minutes. Excess flare volume was identified and a search of process units was initiated to locate the source. At 9:23am the source of the flaring was identified and isolated. Operations personnel determined that an unexpected blockage (liquid and/or hydrate) caused back pressure in the unit, causing a Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) to relieve to the flare. Upon identification of the flaring source, emissions calculations were completed and agency notifications made. The search located the source of excess flare gas. The PSV which relieved to the flare was isolated, ending the incident. The incident will be reviewed with affected operations personnel to make them aware of the potential implications of unusual line-ups and their potential environmental implications.
84073 2005-11-23	Point Source(s): No. 2 Coker Wet Gas Compressor Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 10,509 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 685 pounds Nitric Oxide - 2,490 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 277 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 255,680 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The wet gas compressor shut down due to the axial thrust alarm, resulting in emissions from the No. 1 Flare. Following investigation, refinery personnel believe the Wet Gas Compressor shut down due to a momentary loss of lube oil.	In an effort to stop the release, the compressor was restarted, but the alarm remained. Following determination by refinery personnel that maintenance was required on the compressor, K-8101 was taken out of service and sent out for repair. A variance was applied for with the LDEQ to authorize the emissions associated with the compressor maintenance. The variance was approved on November 29, 2005, ending this release.
84013 2005-11-21	Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit Thermal Oxidizer Stack Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 8,632 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Refinery personnel diverted acid gas from Train I of the SRU due to mechanical issues on the unit. Diverting the acid gas resulted in Sulfur Dioxide emissions from the Thox stack in excess of the permit limit, resulting in a reportable release.	Sulfur dioxide to atmosphere through the SRU Thox Stack.
84015 2005-11-21	Point Source(s): No. 2 Crude Unit Prefractionator (Prefrac) Tower Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 841 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Pressure spikes on the No. 2 Crude Unit Prefractionator Tower coupled with increased Overhead Accumulator levels, and problems maintaining tower bottoms circulation. The tower pressure exceeded the process relief valve set pressure, ad the Prefrac Towerrelieved to the No. 2 Flare resulting in Sulfur Dioxide emissions in excess of reportable quantity.	In an effort to stop the release, bypasses were opened o the water boot level controllers on both the Atmospheric and Prefrac Towers, and the Prefrac Overhead fin-fans were started. Prefrac Bottoms product was slopped due to water content and the Stabilizer Tower was also shutdown. Following determination by Refinery Personnel that the problem was due to a false Prefrac Bottoms level indication, the level was dropped by increasing the flow to slop, returning tower operation to normal. The level tritter is scheduled for repair in order to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.
83924 2005-11-17	Point Source(s): Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit Fans Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 274 pounds Oil - 2,765 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 783 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 3,681 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 9 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Leak on the HDS Unit fans caused spill to the ground. Emissions resulted from the spill to the ground, the release to the atmosphere and from the unit de-pressure to the No. 2 flare.	At approximately 04:07 hours on 11/17/05, refinery personnel discovered a leak on the Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit fin-fans. Approximately 9.3 barrels of Distillate range material spilled to the ground. Emissions resulted from the spill to the ground, the release to the atmosphere, and from the unit de-pressure to the no. 2 flare. Chalmette Refinery rescinded the 11/17/05 notifications for NO, NO2, VOC, SO2 and H2S since the estimated amounts were less than the reportable quantity of 10lbs. They estimate that approximately 1.93 and 0.21 pounds of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (nO2), respectively, were released to the atmosphere during the 11/17/05 event. Therefore, notification for Nitrous Oxides (NOx) was not required. Calculations performed after the incident indicated that a greater than reportable quantity of oil was spilled to the ground during this incident, and as such, emissions calculations for the oil spill are included in the follow-up report. Hydrogen Sulfide and Compressed Flammable Gas/Non-speciated VOCs released to atmosphere through the leak; Sulfur Dioxide and compressed flammable gas/non-speciated VOCs released to atmosphere through the NO. 2 flare; oil spill to ground with VOC volatilization to atmosphere. The HDS Unit was shutdown and de-pressured to the no. 2 flare to minimize the impact of the leak. A pipe clamp was installed, stopping the leak. Liquid released from the leak was contained and recovered. Soils that appeared to have come in contact with spilled slop oil were removed for off site disposal.
83685 2005-11-07	Point Source(s): Tank 72 (D-72) Pollutant(s): Benzene - 12 pounds Oil - 44,782 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 1,862 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure During periodic rounds and gauging of tank 72 (D-72), refinery operations personnel observed slop oil overflowing from tank 72. It was determined that the tank had experienced an unanticipated sure in inventory between manual gauging events. The release was caused by the unanticipated malfunction of tank gauge equipment.	Chalmette Refining reported a release of oil (Slop Oil) and Benzene on 1/7/05. Calculations performed after the incident indicate the greater than a reportable quantity of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) was also released during this incident, as such, emissions calculations for VOCs are included in this follow-up report. Hurricane Katrina caused damage to the electronic tank gauge (telepulse) system for tank 72 (D-72). As mitigation step, periodic manual gauging of D-72 was implemented based on anticipated tank inventory movement. At approximately 2345 hours on 11/7/05 during periodic rounds and gauging of tank 72, refinery operations personnel observed slop oil overflowing from tank 72. It was determined that the tank had experienced an unanticipated surge in inventory between manual gauging events. Since the tank receives inventory from multiple sources the reason for the unexpected increase in inventory was no immediately evident. Oil (as slop oil) released from refinery tank 72 (D-72) via overflow. Slop oil and water was released to the carthen tank containment dike. A portion of the slop oil components evaporated to the air. Transfer to tank the was stopped ending the incident. Transfer out of the tank to the other storage was initiated, lowering the level. Vacuum Trucks were dispatched in order to recover released liquids. The electronic tank gauge for tank 72 has been repaired and placed back in service. Liquid released was contained within the tank dike area and recovered via vacuum truck. Refinery personnel have begun removing soils that appear to have come in contact with spilled slop oil and will remove all stained soil for off site disposal. Currently, migration outside of the tank dike or to groundwater is not suspected. Released liquids that did not volatilize were contained within the tank dike area. Liquids were recovered via vacuum truck and placed into refinery tankage for re-processing. Excavated soils are being placed in roll-off containers, characterized and properly disposed of.
83311 2005-10-21	Point Source(s): Receiving Tank Pollutant(s): Diesel Fuel - 55 gallons	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Contract personnel were performing a transfer or diesel fuel from storage, into a fueling truck to be used to move diesel equipment being used within the refinery. The responsible person left the transfer and when he returned, found that the receiving tank had overflowed.	The event began on 10/21/05 at approximately 1320 hours. At approximately 0510 hours on 10/21/05, refinery contract personnel identified a spill of diesel to an asphalt roadway and adjacent drainage ditch on the refinery property. The area was located within the refinery, along a service road in the East Tank Farm, running parallel to Saint Bernard Highway. Contract personnel were performing a transfer of diesel fuel from storage, into a fueling truck to be used to move diesel to equipment being used within the refinery. The responsible person left the transfer and when he returned, found that the receiving tank had overflowed. Personnel estimated that approximately 55 gallons of diesel had spilled. This incident did not cause an Emergency Condition. Liquid recovered was returned to refinery slop oil for processing. Excavated soils were containerized and staged on side pending proper disposal at an off site disposal facility. When the situation was discovered, the transfer was stopped immediately, ending the incident. The person directly responsible for the fuel transfer was disciplined by his employer. Personnel responsible for the transfer of fuels for an onsite consumption have been coach regarding importance of spill prevention and following proper procedures. Liquid released was contained on refinery property and recovered via vacuum truck. No migration off of refinery property or to groundwater has been observed.
83087 2005-10-13	Point Source(s): Flare No. 2 Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 4,800 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure #2 flare was smoking. In an attempt to reduce the smoke, the flare steam was engaged. Repairs to the flare steam system from the Hurricane Katrina shutdown were still ongoing. The steam was engaged with allowance for draining the lines of condensate prior to putting the steam to the flare.. there was some water carryover, resulting in intermittent steam and a surge of steam which extinguished the flare and pilots.	This letter is in regard to calls made by the Chalmette Refinery, notifying of a release of compressed flammable gas/volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on 10/13/05.At 15:00, the #2 flare was smoking. In an attempt to reduce the smoke, the flare steam was engaged. Repairs to the flare steam system from the Hurricane Katrina shutdown were still ongoing. The steam was engaged with allowance for draining the lines of condensate prior to putting the steam to the flare. There was some water carryover, resulting in intermittent steam and a surge of steam which extinguished the flare and pilots. Initial investigation indicated that too few drains were present on the steam line to eliminate the quantity of water created, and there were leaking isolation valved on the steam line. Chalmette will establish review the procedure for commissioning steam to the flare after shutdown to ensure that the line is drained prior to putting steam to the tip of the flare and that the line is checked for valve leaks and pluggings. affected refinery personnel will be trained regarding updates to applicable procedures. The refinery anticipates that these measures will minimize the likelihood of a recurrence of an incident due to the same root cause in the future. The flare was re-lit and the steam was adjusted and stabilized, ending the incident. Initial investigation indicates that too few drains were present on the steam line to eliminate the quality of water created, and there were leaking isolation valves onthe steam line. CRLLC will establish and review the procedure for commissioning steam to the flare after shutdown and will train affected personnel for updated procedures. These measurements should minimize the likelihood of a recurrence
81795 2005-08-27	Point Source(s): FCC Debutanizer Overhead Condenser Pollutant(s): Nitrogen Dioxide - BRQ Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ Nitric Oxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Condenser overpressured due to a failure with the FCC debutanizer overhead condenser, resulting in flaring and a small ground fire.	For the FCC, the tower was returned to normal pressure and the pressure transmitter on the overhead condenser was repaired. The small ground fire was extinguished. This follow-up letter was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina This is a letter rescinding the 8/27/2005 notification for Sulfur Dioxide (S02), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Hydrocarbons (non-speciated VOCs). Upon further review, the total amounts were estimated to be less than reportable quantities. Nitric oxide was released to the atmosphere through the refinery Number 1 flare.
81776 2005-08-27	Point Source(s): FCC debutanizer overhead condenser no.1 and no.2 flares Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 74 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 34,400 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 52 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 64 pounds	Cause of Problem: Weather HURRICANE KATRINA (storm) Release of sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide was due to overpressurization of the FCC debutanizer overhead condenser, resulting in flaring and a small ground fire.	This follow-up letter has been delayed due to Hurricane Katrina. This is a notification that the total refinery shutdown resulted in an evacuation of the refinery and the potential emergency release of wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant outfall. Chalmette Refining conducted a detailed analysis of emissions resulting from the refinery shutdown for Hurricane Ivan in September 204. Since the refinery shutdown for Hurricane Katrina was similar, they have assumed that the quantities released during Katrina shutdown are the same as the Ivan shutdown. Chalmette Refinery is rescinding the 8/27/05 notifications for S02, H2S, NO2, and hydrocarbons (non-speciated VOCs). Upon further review, the facility claims that the total amounts were estimated to be less that the reportable quantities (RQ= 100 lbs). The original estimated quantity of NO was 467 lbs, and was later changed to be estimated at 74 lbs. Shutdown was undertaken in preparation for the forecasted potential for Hurricane conditions. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly shutdown. Emissions resulted from gas flaring, fuel gas quality changes, and standby operation modes necessitated by the shutdown. Sometime after Hurricane Katrina, the pilots on the flares were extinguished. By that time, predominantly natural gas was being flared and no reportable quantities were exceeded.The pilots were re-lit on all flares by September 8, 2005 At approximately 12:00 hours on 8/27/05, the FCC debutanizer overhead condenser overpressured due to a failure with a pressure controller, resulting in flaring and a small ground fire. For the FCC, the tower was returned to normal pressure and the pressure transmitter on the overhead condenser was repaired. The small ground fire was extinguished.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-08-24	Point Source(s): motor oil storage container Pollutant(s): Motor Oil - 1 gallons	Cause of Problem: Other - See text A one gallon plastic container of motor oil was being stored in a wooden storage box. A steel flange had been placed on the container of motor oil, damaging the container and resulting in a release of motor oil to the box, which then dripped into the River causing a localized sheen.	This is a follow-up report BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES. The storage box was emptied and absorbent material was spread on the dock. Hard boom was deployed in order to capture the sheen. Absorbent materials were used in order to clean up the sheen and residual oil. This is a letter rescinding the 8/24/05 notification. Upon further review, the event that prompted the call was not a reportable incident. the total amount of motor oil released is estimated to be less than the reportable quantity (RQ=1 barrel). Chalmette Refining estimates that approximately 0.01 barrels (0.5 gallons) of motor oil was released to the surface of the Mississippi River. No chronic or acute health risks are anticipated as a result of this release. The release did not cause an emergency condition. While the incident did not meet reporting requirements, they would like to note that thy take this situation seriously and have taken the proper measures to prevent a reoccurrence. Motor oil released from a one-gallon motor oil container, dripped to the Mississippi River causing a localized sheen.
81586 2005-08-23	Point Source(s): LPG compressor K-9200 Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 20 pounds - 0	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure At 7:52am on 8/23/2005, the LPG compressor, K-9200, tripped on high suction drum level due to a problem with the suction drum instrumentation, causing the fuel system to overpressure to the #2 flare. Nitric oxide was released to the atmosphere through the no.2 flare. An unexpected increase in fuel pressure caused fuel system to divert to the #2 Flare.	The suction drum instrumentation was repaired and the compressor was restarted. The instrumentation causing the compressor trip was repaired in order to prevent recurrence. This letter has been delayed due to Hurricane Katrina. The event is considered as reasonably unforeseeable, and qualifies as an upset. No further action warranted at this time.
81244 2005-08-12	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 36 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Leaking relief valve released naphtha.	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES. Chalmette Refining rescinded its notification after further review since it was determined that the event that prompted notification was not a reportable event as the amount released was below reportable quantities.
81112 2005-08-08	Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit Pit Blower K8053 Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 126 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Refinery personnel identified unacceptable levels of SRU vibration in Pit Blower K8053. The blower was shut down for repairs	Bearing wear was determined to be the cause of the vibration and shutdown of K8053. Repairs were progressed continuously and K8053 was placed back in service.
81016 2005-08-05	Point Source(s): Coker 1 Heavy Gas Oil pump G2804 problem led to release at the No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 68 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 6,968 pounds	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket Seal on coker 1 Heavy Gas Oil pump G2804 failed, causing a localized fire at the pump. Caused coker 1 wet gas compressor K2800 to shutdown due to high drum level. Flare to no. 2.	Unit throughput was reduced to minimum and attempts to restart required process equipment were made. Unit feed was changed from sour (high H2S concentrations) to sweet (lower H2S concentrations) to minimize emissions. The unit was stabilized and the flaring ceased.
80685 2005-08-03	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - BRQ Nitrogen Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-07-24	Point Source(s): Above ground transfer piping Pollutant(s): Sweet Crude Oil - 2 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Drip from a transfer line on Crude Terminal Dock.	Line determined to be leaking was isolated; Boom was deployed to contain and absorb the sheen on the wirer surface. The section of pipe that leaked was repaired and placed back in service. BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES
80865 2005-07-22	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 4 pounds Nitric Oxide - 3 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 0 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Hydrocracker overpressured	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES
80590 2005-07-18	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 4 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES
80568 2005-07-17	Point Source(s): Wet Gas Compressor K 2800 shut down and went to the No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 22 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 155 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Coker 1 wet gas compressor (K2800) shut down due to high knock-out drum level. Resulted in flaring of process gasses until it could be re-started.	Process adjustments were made in order to minimize the likelihood of fractionators liquid carryover and high knock-out level, prior to the re-start of the compressor. K2800 was re-started, ending the incident.
80566 2005-07-16	Point Source(s): Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit problem went to No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 100 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 72 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 1,126 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Leak in the HDS due to failure in the piping. Sulfur dioxide released into atmosphere through the refinery Number 2 Flare.	The unit was shut down so that the leak could be isolated and repaired. Although Chalmette Refinery listed the release of hydrogen sulfide as below reportable quantities, LDEQ's final report states that the minimum reportable quantity was released.
80533 2005-07-15	Point Source(s): Cat feed hyrdrotreater unit problem caused release to the No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 127 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 14 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Cat feed hydrotreater (CFHT) developed a leak due to a failure in the piping. The unit was shut down in order to eliminate the lead and safely conduct repairs. Vented through flare 2	Cat Feed hydrotreater (CFHT) was shut down and hydrogen and process gas vented to the refinery flare system. Operations were conducted in order to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly shutdown and restart of the CFHT. Chalmette Refinery rescinded its notifications of both gas oil and sulfur dioxide, stating that there was not a reportable amount of gas oil spilled on the concrete slab, and also that 0 lbs of sulfur dioxide was released.
80549 2005-07-14	Point Source(s): closed cooling water tower Pollutant(s): Xylene - 1,307 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Leaking heat exchanger. Contamination of closed water cooling system by hydrocarbon, released via evaporation through cooling tower	E1288 isolated as the source of the hydrocarbon, repaired or replaced before returned to service.
80502 2005-07-13	Point Source(s): Transformer power outage - emitted at No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 266 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 29 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 1,096 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Loss of a refinery power transformer resulted in unplanned shut-down of coker 1, resulting in flaring to no. 2	Backup transformer was placed in service to replace the one that failed.
80548 2005-07-12	Point Source(s): Coker 2, gas then vented to Tank 304 Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 683 pounds Refinery Fuel Gas - 0 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 12,779 pounds	Cause of Problem: Weather During tropical storm Cindy there was a power failure. This release happened upon re start.	The line which allowed the gas to go to the tank was isolated and the incident was ended. The flow indication was calibrated and process logic updated to minimize recurrence. No time given for which the release was stopped, but the event occurred on 07/12/05 at 16:33 hours, was identified at 21:06 hours, and subsequently emission estimates were completed on 07/14/05 at 17:25 hours. No information was given on the amount released of refinery fuel gas in this report.
80465 2005-07-09	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Hydrofluoric Acid - 8 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Vessel overpressured and went to flare.	Below reportable quantities. There is a discrepancy on the date that this happened; the call in report says 7/9 but the written reports say 7/10
80322 2005-07-06	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 229 pounds Nitric Oxide - 167 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 19 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 50,599 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 1,736 pounds	Cause of Problem: Weather Power failure due to Tropical Storm Cindy, resulting in an unplanned shutdown.	Due to the multi-day nature of the event CRLLC was unable to give a comprehensive report at this time. As of this report, equipment repairs were still ongoing and addition emissions may occur. Operations were conducted to minimize emissions while maintaining a safe and orderly shutdown.
80288 2005-07-04	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant Butane Splitter Tower & LEP Depropanizer Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 19 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset LEP Butane Splitter Tower began to overpressure. Moves in operating temperature and pressure on LEP Depropanizer, actuated by the refinery advanced controls system, allowed propane to exit via Depropanizer Bottoms, to the Butane Splitter, which is not designed to off-gas light materials such as propane. Personnel mode moves to lower tower pressure, including the venting of Propane in the Butane Splitter, to the refinery flare system in order to lower the pressure of the tower to safe levels.	Cooler back flushing was conducted in order to ensure that maximum cooling was available. Refinery personnel made operational adjustments that ended the incident. Various level controllers and analyzers associated with the LEP Depropanizer and Butane Splitter were checked for proper operation. The refinery has initiated an investigation into the cause of this incident.
80291 2005-07-04	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 309 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	Rescind notification since it was below reportable quantities.
80303 2005-07-04	Point Source(s): Pollutant(s): Crude Oil - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Leak in crude oil feed line leading to one of their units.	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-06-30	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Diesel Fuel - 1 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Diesel Fuel was released to the surface of the Mississippi River	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES. No information given.
79977 2005-06-20	Point Source(s): No. 2 Flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 11 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The LPG compressor tripped; the alarm panel showed a high suction drum level. Upon investigation no high drum was detected. The machine was restarted and tripped again on a high level indication. A this time the high level alarm was calibrated by the operators and again restarted.	The level in the suction drum was checked and upon tripping a second time the operators checked the high level shutdowm switch chamber for liquid. Finding none, the machine was restarted.
79840 2005-06-14	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 1,177 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	Rescind notification
79721 2005-06-09	Point Source(s): Compressor K-2800 Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 538 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Overfill of lube oil reservoir resulted in compressor K-2800 tripping offline. Off gas was routed to the no. 2 flare.	Reservoir level lowered and compressor restarted. Additional training conducted to ensure operator is always observing filling.
79529 2005-06-02	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant Butane Splitter Tower Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 11 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset The Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant (LEP) Butane Splitter Tower began to overpressure; moves in operating temperature and pressure on the LEP Depropanizer, actuated by the refinery advanced system controls system, allowed propane to exit via Depropanizer Bottoms, to the Butane Splitter, which is not designed to off-gas light materials such as propane.	Cooler back flushing was conducted in order to ensure that maximum cooling was available. Refinery personnel made operational adjustments that ended the incident. Various level controllers and analyzers associated with the Lep Depropanizer and Butane Splitter were checked for proper operation.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-06-01	Point Source(s): C8901 - meter station sump vessel Pollutant(s): Diesel Fuel - 21 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Sump vent overfilled due to a failed check valve which allowed pressure from the discharge pump on a common discharge pipe to back pressure in sump vent C8901	BELOW REPORTABLE QUANTITIES. All draining and pumping of vessels on the Dock 2 meter platform was stopped. Personnel attempted to capture the overflow with buckets. Hard boom was deployed in order to capture the sheen. Absorbent materials were used in order to clean up the sheen and residual diesel.
79331 2005-05-24	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Hydrocarbon - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Leak to cooling tower	Rescind of notification made based on analyzer data which was disproved by personnel observations or analysis conducted by a third party laboratory.
79189 2005-05-19	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant - Butane Splitter Tower Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 77 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 1,176 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Unit upset, pressure increase: Excess feed to the Depropanizer Tower caused overpressure. Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant Butane Splitter Tower overpressured, which caused propane to exit to the Butane Splitter from the excess feed in the Depropanizer Tower via the Depropanizer Bottoms. The material was vented to the refinery flare system to reduce pressure.	Moves to reduce temperature and pressure were made in effort to prevent the depressurization of the Butane Splitter to the refinery flare system. Cooler back flushing was conducted in order to ensure that maximum cooling was available, heater firing was reduced in order to reduce tower temperatures and pressures.
79123 2005-05-16	Point Source(s): Tank Pollutant(s): Oil, Bio Sludge - 25 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Seal flush water going from the pump to the tank overflowed the tank.	Spill cleaned up and flow redirected. This is a call and there is no more complete report on file.
78980 2005-05-11	Point Source(s): K3304 Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 388 pounds Hydrocarbon - 251 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Nitric Oxide - 64 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 16 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 31 pounds	Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures Leak on the Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit Off0gas Compressor K-3304	Sweet streams (lower Sulfur content) were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Process unit output was adjusted in order to minimize the total amount of waste gas being sent to the flare. No mention of pollutant other than Nitric Oxide in official report, but attached Summary of Emissions lists multiple pollutants.
79008 2005-05-11	Point Source(s): K7402 No. 2 Crude Unit Thermal Oxidizer Stack on the API Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 189 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 2 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Gas oil tower overhead compressor tripped. The bypass was a result of a mechanical malfunction of the flame arrestor. Attempts to restart were impeded by plugging on the pilot gas line. LDEQ report adds that the Gas Oil Tower overhead compressor tripped on high knock-out-drum level.	Below reportable quantities. Appropriate maintenance and preventive maintenance were followed in order to minimize plugging on the flame arrestor.
78900 2005-05-08	Point Source(s): K-4301 Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 5 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset After starting the propane compressor the first and second stage releif valves opened to the flare.	Below reportable quantities. Initial report said 12 lbs/hour released; report states that incident occured at 14:35 hours and was secured at 15:00 hours.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-05-07	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 5 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	Below reportable quantities
78808 2005-05-05	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 402 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	Below reportable quantities. In calculations section of report addition releases of 1 lb of NO and 1 lb of H2S are also listed.
78760 2005-05-02	Point Source(s): K7702 Cat Feed Hydrotreater Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 856 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Cat Feed Hydrotreater make-up compressor automatically shut down due to thermal overload. The shutdown caused excess acid gas loading at the refinery Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) which lead to increased Sulfur Dioxide emission from the SRU Thermal Oxidizer (THOX)	K7702 was restarted and SRU and CFHT operations were stabilized and efforts were made to reduce SRU THOX Sulfur Dioxide concentrations
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-04-30	Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s):	Cause of Problem: No Information Given This is an incident that caused injury to personnel working at CRLLC; report goes on to say that upon further review the injuries sustained were not directly caused by a release of hazardous material per LAC 33.V.10111.B, and thus not reportable.	Injuries sustained were not directly caused by a release of regulated hazardous material
78674 2005-04-29	Point Source(s): Coke drum Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Nitrogen Dioxide - BRQ Nitric Oxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Coke drum got too hot, causing gases to be sent to flare	Below reportable quantities. LDEQ notes that the event that prompted the call was part of a Continuous Release Report filed October 14, 2002.
78541 2005-04-26	Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit, Hydrocracker, #2 Coker, #2 Crude Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 203 pounds Nitric Oxide - 326 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 36 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 79,817 pounds	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down A loss of power to the Refinery's Boiler Instrumentation System caused the shutdown of the three plant boilers which generate the Refinery's 600 lb. steam. The loss of 600 lb. steam production caused upset conditions at a series of Refinery Process Units including the Sulfur Recovery Unit, Hydrocracker, #2 Coker and #2 Crude	The refinery has initiated an investigation into the cause of this incident. Based on the result of that investigation, measures will be taken in order to prevent a recurrence due to the same cause. The report's Summary of Emissions also states 692 lbs. of HC, 1131 lbs of CO, and 36 lbs of PM were also released at this time.
78361 2005-04-19	Point Source(s): K-401 (waste gas compressor number 2) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 19 pounds Hydrocarbon - 12 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 3 pounds Nitric Oxide - 3 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 0 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 1 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 970 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) automatically shut down, automatically diverting waste gas to the flare system.	Low-Sulfur content streams were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Output was adjusted to minimize total amount of waste being sent to the flare. Same language about doing an investigation to understand the underlying cause and prevent future incidents.
78345 2005-04-18	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 332 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Compressor tripped offline	Below reportable quantities
78348 2005-04-18	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A broken pipe led to the release	Below reportable quantities
78341 2005-04-17	Point Source(s): K-401 (waste gas compressor number 2) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 14 pounds Hydrocarbon - 9 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds Nitric Oxide - 2 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 0 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 1 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 707 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) automatically shut down, automatically diverting waste gas to the flare system.	Low-Sulfur content streams were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Output was adjusted to minimize total amount of waste being sent to the flare.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-04-15	Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s):	Cause of Problem: No Information Given This is an injury to a person as in the report of 4 / 13/05	Another injury with cut and paste saying, describes incident as not being directly caused by a release of regulated hazardous materials.
78226 2005-04-13	Point Source(s): K-401 (waste gas compressor number 2) Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 7 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 2,161 pounds Carbon Monoxide - 42 pounds Hydrocarbon - 27 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 6 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 2 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) automatically shut down, automatically diverting waste gas to the flare system.	Low-Sulfur content streams were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Output was adjusted to minimize total amount of waste being sent to the flare. Letter rescinds report of nitric oxide because below reportable quantity.
78166 2005-04-11	Point Source(s): Refinery dock #4 transfer line Pollutant(s): Diesel Fuel - 8 gallons	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Drip from the transfer line on Refinery Dock #4 caused a release of diesel fuel to the surface of the Mississippi River.	Absorbent materials placed under the drip to contain the material; a boom was used to contain and absorb the sheen on the water surface; vacuum trucks were also used. Note: a subsequent letter from the same day rescinds the report. See below.
78092 2005-04-07	Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s):	Cause of Problem: No Information Given This is an injury to a person	Letter rescinds verbal report because incident did not meet reporting requirements. ï¿½
78042 2005-04-06	Point Source(s): K-402 (Refinery waste gas compressor number 3) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 651 pounds Hydrocarbon - 422 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 90 pounds Nitric Oxide - 108 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 12 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 27 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 33,873 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure K-402 unexpectedly shut down. Shortly after shutdown, refinery personnel identified the cause of the shutdown as a malfunction of the compressor motor ignition system.	The compressor motor was repaired and the compressor restarted, ending the incident.
77978 2005-04-02	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Other - See text NOx was flared so that maintenance could be done on a vessel.	Initial report states that there was no release of NO to the atmosphere, and thus it was not reportable.
77936 2005-03-31	Point Source(s): K-400 (Refinery waste gas compressor number 1) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 14 pounds Hydrocarbon - 9 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds Nitric Oxide - 2 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 0 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 1 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 706 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Refinery waste gas compressor number 1 (K-400) unexpectedly shut down. Refinery waste gas automatically diverted to the flare system.	Adjustments made to the fuel/air mixture and K-400 restarted.
77649 2005-03-16	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 42 pounds Hydrocarbon - 27 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds Nitric Oxide - 7 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 2 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 888 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) automatically shut down due to a high temperature.	Letter rescinds verbal report because incident was not reportable. No release to atmosphere.
77549 2005-03-13	Point Source(s): C-2307 (Second Stage High-Pressure Separator) level controller; K-2303 (HCU Second Stage Recycle Compressor) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 176 pounds Hydrocarbon - 68 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Nitric Oxide - 29 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 3 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 12 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors During maintenance, the Hydrocracker (HCU) Second Stage High-Pressure Separator (C-2307) level controller was inadvertently left in the manual position. Later, HCU Second Stage Recycle Compressor (K-2303) shut down due to high level in C-2307. Shutdown of K-2303 caused automatic depressurization of C-2307 to the refinery flare system.	Letter rescinds report of Sulfur Dioxide because below reportable quantity.
77290 2005-03-02	Point Source(s): Waste Gas Compressor Number 4 (K-406); Copper tubing connecting C-435 (first stage suction drum) to high-level instrumentation Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 182 pounds Hydrocarbon - 118 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 17 pounds Nitric Oxide - 30 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 3 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 8 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 6,322 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Waste gas compressor number 4 (K-406) shut down due to failure of piece of copper tubing connecting C-435 to high-level shutdown instrumentation. When it failed, a false high level reading was recorded, causing automatic safety shutdown system to become engaged.	Low-Sulfur content streams were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Output was adjusted to minimize amount sent to the flare. C-435 was retubed, K-406 was checked and restarted.
77135 2005-02-23	Point Source(s): D-401 refinery tank Pollutant(s): Smoke - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Weather Notified by the Saint Bernard Fire Department that a neighbor witnessed a lightning strike in the refinery's East Tank farm, and could see smoke. Refinery personnel identified it as tank D-401, a finished unleaded gasoline tank. Investigations revealed that a portion of the secondary roof had been burned/melted in the fire, while the primary seal remained intact.	Fire was extinguished using emergency sprinklers and foam.
No LDEQ Number Available 2005-02-15	Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s):	Cause of Problem: Other OTHER Vehicle fire that damaged a contractor van while on CRLLC property	Letter rescinds verbal report because incident was not reportable.
76869 2005-02-11	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 93 pounds Hydrocarbon - 65 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 1 pounds Particulate Matter - 17 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Nitric Oxide - 6 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 454 pounds	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Power failure caused many of the processes to shut down.
76795 2005-02-07	Point Source(s): Unintended over pressurization of the Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant (HCU LEP) Depropanizer surge drum Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 545 pounds Hydrocarbon - 345 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 1 pounds Nitric Oxide - 90 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 10 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 401 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Due to the isolation of the sight glass of the hydrocracker light ends plant depropanizer, the automatic level indication equipment was disabled and false reading was transmitted; this condition caused an unintended over pressurization of the HCU LEP Depropanizer surge drum, which was venter to the refinery flare system (No. 2 flare)	Refinery personnel evaluated the process operation, identified the source of the problem and made appropriate corrections, ending the incident.
76775 2005-02-04	Point Source(s): Electrical breaker G-457; Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 78 pounds Hydrocarbon - 51 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 11 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 3 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Nitric Oxide - 13 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 4,075 pounds	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Electrical breaker for G-457 malfunctioned, unexpectedly cutting power to all pumps and fin-fans within the refinery waste gas compressor area. Waste gas compressor number 2 (K-401) shut down as a result of the electrical power outage and refinery waste gas was diverted to safety flare system.	Low-Sulfur content streams were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Output was adjusted to minimize total amount of waste being sent to the flare. Note: the breaker for G-457 had been identified for repair and was supposed to be replaced that week.
76595 2005-01-30	Point Source(s): Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) on the Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant (LEP) A stripper as the source of the increased flame at number 2 flare Pollutant(s): Nitric Oxide - 15 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 1	Cause of Problem: Process Upset An abrupt increase in light material to the LEP A Stripper exceeded the tower overhead condenser cooling capacity, causing tower to overpressure.	After identifying the LEP A Stripper PSV flaring, cooling water in the A Stripper overhead was increased which condensed additional light materials in the tower; this lowered the pressure on the tower to end the incident.
76382 2005-01-24	Point Source(s): Waste gas compressor shut down and caused an over pressure situation Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 46 pounds Hydrocarbon - 24 pounds Nitric Oxide - 8 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Waste gas compressor shut down and an over-pressure situation.	Rescinding notification for below reportable quantities. (There is a hand-written T76382 on incident # 76355 PDF, but LABB believes that they are unrelated).
76355 2005-01-22	Point Source(s): K-406 (waste gas compressor number 4) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 138 pounds Hydrocarbon - 90 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 12 pounds Nitric Oxide - 23 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 3 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 6 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 4,543 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Waste gas compressor number 4 (K-406) unexpectedly shut down. Waste gas was automatically diverted to refinery safety flare system.	Rescinding notification for NO2. The refinery waste gas system and refinery operations were adjusted in order to minimize the amount of waste gas being sent to the flare. Sweet streams were routed to the flare in order to minimize sour gas flaring. K-406 was removed from service on 01/27/05 to complete an evaluation of the machine and perform other maintenance. Additional emissions listed in the Summary of Emissions were not mentioned in the report. This incident is related to incident # 76362.(There are two hand-written incident numbers, T76377 & T76382, on the PDF, but LABB believes they are not related to this event).
76362 2005-01-21	Point Source(s): Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant Butane Splitter Tower & LEP Depropanizer Tower Bottoms Flow Control Valve 50FC060 Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 315 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 46 pounds Hydrocarbon - 199 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Nitric Oxide - 77 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 6 pounds	Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure (1) 0600 hrs: Hydrocracker Light Ends Plant (LEP) Butane Splitter Tower began to overpressure because LEP Depropanizer Tower Bottoms Flow Control Valve (50FC060) had failed in the open position, letting propane to exit to the Butane Splitter. (2) 1700 hrs: Butane Splitter again began to overpressure due to the presence of propane. The level indication on the level instrument was detecting a false reading.	Letter speaks of two incidents on same day at 0600 hrs and 1700 hrs but attached report shows three incidents: (1) 4:05 a.m. lasting 3h 42m; (2) 3:15 p.m. lasting 41m; (3) 4:30 p.m. lasting 1h 25m. Amounts of compounds are only given in totals for all 3incidents. This incident is related to incident # 76355. LDEQ states that it is also related to incident # 76395.
76224 2005-01-18	Point Source(s): No information given Number 2 Flare -- Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) on Fuel Drum for Number 10 Boiler Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 496 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Carbon Monoxide - 0 pounds Hydrocarbon - 856 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 0 pounds	Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure From the verbal report: False pressure indicator on tower, caused relief value to open and gases to mix.
76179 2005-01-13	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sweet Crude Oil - 10 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Released to surface of Mississippi River. Cause not provided. Verbal report states that spill came from line going over the water.	Letter rescinds verbal report because below reportable quantity.
76040 2005-01-07	Point Source(s): D-6305 Pollutant(s): Benzene - 22 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 2,544 pounds Xylene - 181 pounds Flammable Liquid - 0 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors During a transfer of gasoline to tank 6303 (D-6303), gasoline was observed leaking from the side of tank 6305 (D-6305). Tank 6305 later was determined to have been unintentionally filled past capacity, causing overflow to leak through tank side vent. 123,836 pounds of gasoline released to the ground. Report documents amounts volatilized. However, total amounts released to environment in report attached do not add up to 123,836. States 123,836 lbs of flammable organic liquid 'including' the benzene, xylene, and VOCs.	Contained liquid in tank area and recovered via vacuum truck. Water and foam applied to minimize volatilization and migration into soil. Note that report attached to letter contains information about other compounds released to the environment. Air monitoring report and soil sampling report were requested and provided by letters dated 1/18/05 and 2/28/05, which are attached to the report file. Field interview form states that 582 bbls of gasoline were released, but everything else states 481 bbls. The quantities of pollutants listed in this report were the portion that Chalmette Refinery claims were volatilized; under the Reportability of Liquid Product and Chemical Spills, the Notification Instructions lists that the quantities released were 123,836 lbs of oil (gas), 2748 lbs flammable gases, 980.8 lbs benzene, 8173.2 lbs xylenes. Further in report it is declared that 2747.7 lbs of pollutants were released offsite. Accutest Lab summary of soil testing adds Toluene and TPH-GRO to pollutant list.
76033 2005-01-06	Point Source(s): K-406 (waste gas compressor number 4) Pollutant(s): Carbon Monoxide - 14 pounds Hydrocarbon - 9 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds Nitric Oxide - 2 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 0 pounds Particulate Matter 10 - 1 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 726 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure K-406 unexpectedly shut down and waste gas was automatically diverted to refinery safety flare system.	Sweet streams (lower Sulfur content) were routed to the flare to minimize sour gas flaring. Process unit output was adjusted in order to minimize the total amount of waste gas being sent to the flare. Shortly after shutdown, personnel re-started K-406 restoring the systems ability to process available refinery waste gas streams, ending the incident.

Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

Releases in 2005