LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

Releases in 2011

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source/Release	Cause	Notes
135704 2011-12-02	Point Source(s): Fluid Catalytic Cracking Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Cyanide - 10 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit to a stack that is 213.3 feet tall. Permitted for up to 498.5lbs/day of Hydrogen Cyanide and released 155,200lbs in 2010. Above 10 pounds released due to a change in how Hydrogen Cyanide is measured. This will put them above measurement most days.	There is a 213.3 foot stack for Fluid Catalytic Cracking that has a continuous release of Hydrogen Cyanide. The upper bound of the normal range of the release is 498.5 lbs per day.
135522 2011-11-29	Point Source(s): Unspecified valve Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Flouride - 10 pounds Hydrofluoric Acid - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Packing leak on valve.	Chalmette Refining provided a courtesy notification to the LDEQ regarding a release of Hydrogen Fluoride on November 29, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances or permit violations as a result of this event.
135438 2011-11-20	Point Source(s): #1 Flare Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The flare gas machines lost its pumping ability. The stages on the #1 flare overpressured and burned the gas into the atmosphere. The cause is under investigation.	Chalmette Refining provided a courtesy notification to your office regarding a release of Sulfur Dioxide on November 20, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances or permit violations as a result of this event.
135259 2011-11-14	Point Source(s): No. 1 Flare Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 5,296 pounds	Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures On November 14, 2011, the high pressure side waste gas compressors were down for scheduled piping replacement. At approximately 1705 hours, the Flare Gas Management (FGM) system compressors stalled, at which time gas that would have been routed to the FGM contractor, was instead routed to the No 1 Flare. The FGM system would have contained the release; however, the FGM seal water was contaminated with hydrocarbon, which is believed to have been a potential result of the Alky Feed PSV overpressure on November 5, 2011 reported under separate cover. The result was intermittent flaring at the No. 1 Flare through November 15, 2011, at 22:01 hours, consequently resulting in emissions of sulfur dioxide in excess of the reportable quantity of 500 lbs.	The seal water on the FGM compressors was changed out. CRLLC is investigating the root cause of the release. Based on the results of the Refinery's investigation, appropriate measures will be taken to minimize the likelihood of a recurrence.
135184 2011-11-09	Point Source(s): Flare: Flare No. 1 Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 5,484 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The low pressure side waste gas compressor shutdown due to a fuel control valve failure. This routed the low pressure side waste gas to the Flare Gas Management (FGM) system.	The fuel control valve was repaired. The low pressure side waste gas compressor was restarted, and the stream was removed from the FGM system. The seal water on the FGM compressors was changed out. There is no SPOC report and no LDEQ report in the file.
135138 2011-11-05	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information given.	Chalmette Refining provided a courtesy notification to the LDEQ regarding a release of Sulfur Dioxide on November 5, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances or permit violations as a result of this event. The release did not cause an Emergency Condition or require Offsite Protective Action.
134923 2011-10-27	Point Source(s): Tank 55 Pollutant(s): Hydrocarbon - BRQ Alkylate - 71 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Chalmette Refining provided a courtesy notification to your office regarding a release of hydrocarbon to the atmosphere from the roof of Tank 55 on October 27, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ or permit exceedances as a result of this event.	No information given.
134917 2011-10-27	Point Source(s): Barge #MG-215 Pollutant(s): Coke - 200 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors On October 27, 2011, site was loading Barge #MG-215 with coke. During the loading, the center coke pile inadvertently overloaded, which resulted in approximately 100 lbs. of coke product falling over the side of the barge and into the river. Loading operations were ceased, booms were deployed and spilled coke was cleaned up on the barge area and removed coke from surface of the water.	Loading operations were ceased, booms were deployed and spilled coke was cleaned up on the barge area and removed coke from surface of the water.
134930 2011-10-27	Point Source(s): Line leak at Tank 68 tank 68 Pollutant(s): Benzene - 9,204 pounds Hydrocarbon - 7,229 pounds	Cause of Problem: Under Investigation On October 27, 2011, Chalmette Refinery made a verbal notification that an ongoing combined release from Tank 68 and a retired line in the Treating Area under Incident 11-06603 was resolved, and submitted a follow up letter on October 28, 2011, accordingly. On the morning of October 28, 2011, the retired line was found to be leaking again, potentially in excess of reportable quantities, and notifications were made. The source was isolated at 1500 hours on October 29, 2011, ending the release in excess of a reportable quantity. Cleanup of the area was completed at 1600 hours on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.	Foam was applied to the area, to reduce the emissions from the event. Vacuum trucks were used to recover the benzene and water, and the source was isolated October 29, ending the reportable release. United States Environmental Services was onsite from October 24 to November 1, to assist with cleanup of the area. This accident is linked to 134832. According to LDEQ investigator Lee Lemond, the original accident occurred on a line leak, but the facility thought it was caused due to a tank leak. The facility "repaired the tank" and closed the accident file for 134832. The same leak was later rediscovered as this accident (134930), and it was correctly identified as a line leak. After the second accident report was filed, the line leak was actually repaired.
134832 2011-10-21	Point Source(s): Tank 68 Line leak at Tank 68 Line leak and Tank 68 Pollutant(s): Hydrocarbon - 7,229 pounds Benzene - 9,204 pounds Oil - 1,932 gallons	Cause of Problem: Corrosion Oil was initially discovered in the area of Tank 68 (Alkylate storage)on October 20, 2011. The amount released to the environment was initially estimated to be less that reportable quantities, so no immediate notifications were required. A sample was collected in order to determine the root cause of the leak. On the morning of October 21, liquid was again observed coming from the bottom of the tank, and the lab sample results concurrently confirmed the oil to be alkylate. At approximately 0935 hours on October 21, 2011 a separate incident occurred when a retired line in a ground level piperack in the Treating Area was found to be leaking. The initial amount observed was approximately fourteen gallons of undetermined hydrocarbon, and both emissions and the amount in soil were determined to be less than the reportable quantities. Foam was also applied to the leak areas in order to mitigate odors and emissions. On October 21, 2011, at approximately 1400 hours, oil began accumulating at an increased rate at Tank 68, and it was determined that considering the two releases together, reportable quantities were potentially exceeded for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and benzene, and notifications were made. Several inches of water were introduced into Tank 68 on October 22 to displace the hydrocarbon layer on the tank floor. This ended the hydrocarbon release in excess of a reportable quantity. Additionally, line isolation efforts on the retired line in the Treating Area were performed on October 24, 2011, ending the release in excess of a reportable quantity. Visual observation and monitoring confirmed no ongoing leak to the environment at that time. Cleanup of the area was completed at 1600 hours on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.	Vacuum trucks were used to remove the oil and water from Tank 68, containing the release to the smallest area possible. Mitigation efforts to reduce amount to the environment emissions at Tank 68 also included the introduction of water into the tank to successfully displace the hydrocarbon from the leak interface on Saturday, October 22. The tank was emptied and removed from service on November 7, 2011, ending the release. Cleanup of the area is ongoing. Foam was applied to the area of the line leak, to reduce the emissions from the event. Vacuum trucks were used to recover the hydrocarbon and water, and the line was isolated October 24, ending the reportable release. United States Environmental Services also arrived Monday, October 24 to assist with cleanup of the ares, which was completed November 1, 2011. Tank 68 was cleaned, and initial inspection was performed on December 7, 2011. A repair scope is currently under development, which will implement corrective actions to mitigate corrosion potential for the tank floor.
134583 2011-10-12	Point Source(s): Flare 1 Pollutant(s): No Information Given - 0	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Permitted flaring at Flare no.1 Flare 1 Flare#1	Chalmette Refining provided a courtesy notification to the LDEQ on October 12, 2011 regarding flaring at the No.1 Flare during completion of a permitted flare job. This was permitted activity, and therefore, notification was not required.
134471 2011-10-10	Point Source(s): FLARE-No. 1 Flare; SRU 1 Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 164,891 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 595 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure There was sudden unexpected loss of O2 supply from Air Products causing SRU1 to immediately shut down. Acid gas (SO2 and H2S) was released intermittently through Number 1 Flare. SRU 1 was sole operating SRU at the time of incident, as SRU 2 was shutdown for maintenance.	Steam controllers have been repaired and rebuilt. There was also an evaluation of alarm changes to provide more response time. EPA Acid Gas Flaring report included. LDEQ conducted an investigation in response to this incident on 12/8/11.
134390 2011-10-07	Point Source(s): Tank 71 Floating roof Tank 403 Cam Lock fiting Pollutant(s): Hydrocarbon - 21,085 pounds Benzene - 191 pounds Xylene - 361 pounds Gasoline - 20 gallons	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Oil was initially discovered on the roof of Tank 71 on August 9, 2011. The emissions were determined to be less than reportable quantities, so no notifications were required. To mitigate leak potential and offsite impacts, the oil was removed daily to prevent accumulation and emissions potential until repair investigation efforts could be completed. On October 7, 2011, at approximately 1040 hours, while cleaning the tank roof to allow for additional inspection, roof scale was dislodged, and a roof leak developed, eventually covering the entire surface area of the tank roof with oil. Foam was applied to the tank roof at 1540 hours, mitigating odors and emissions. Oil was removed from the tank roof October 9, 2011. Though ongoing emissions following removal of the oil are estimated to be below reportable quantities, the tank roof is not floating on the product, thus incident response efforts are still considered in progress, as repairs are completed. At approximately 0915 hours on October 11, 2011 a separate incident at a different tank resulted in hydrocarbon and benzene emissions for approximately 1 hour.	Mitigation efforts to reduce emissions potential commenced promptly, as tank level was reduced, however, the product could not be removed from the tank roof. Foam was applied to the tank roof at 1540 hours,greatly reducing emissions from the event. The tank roof was landed Sunday, October 9, and the oil was able to be removed from the floating roof. Additionally, the tank contents were drained and water was introduced into the tank, however, a thin oil layer remained present as repairs were progressed. Repairs were completed October 14, 2011. Repairs were completed on areas where thickness readings determined necessary on October 14, 2011.
134066 2011-09-18	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Sulfur dioxide released to atmosphere with no RQ/BRQ	Chalette Refining provided a courtesy notification to your office regarding a release of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere on September 18, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances as a result of this event.
133880 2011-09-11	Point Source(s): FLARE: Flare No. 1 Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 220 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 36,579 pounds	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A packing leak developed on the seal of the fire eye cleaning device causing it to malfunction during routine maintenance and allowed combustion gases to escape to the atmosphere and shutting down Train 1 of the SRU (Sulfur Recovery Unit) sending acid gases to the FGM. Flared from flare 1 at a reportable quantity of H2S/SO2.	Unit operations were adjusted to minimize the duration and severity of flaring. The SRU Train 1 was switched to oxygen mode so it could process refinery acid gas. Sulfur pit vents on both trains were opened until SRU 1 could process them. To prevcnt this from happening again a re-engineered fire-eye cleaning tool will be constructed. This is expected to be completed by December 31, 2011. CRLLC will not utilize the fire-eye cleaning tool until modification to the tool has been completed. Two employees received first aid treatment. No chronic or acute health risks are anticipated as a result of this release. There was no emergency condition as a result of this release. NO SPOC or LDEQ report.
133679 2011-09-06	Point Source(s): Tank Roof Leak Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 0 pounds Benzene - 0 pounds Xylene - 0 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Emission values included in the later report of 134390. All values in notes for this report. On August 9, 2011, at approximately 0930 hours, oil was discovered on the roof of Tank 71. The roof was cleaned and visually inspected, and though no leaks were discovered, it was determined that additional inspection was required, including mechanical thickness readings. Additional cleaning was necessary for this to occur. Concurrently, it was determined that the source of the oil was likely a failed check valve on the tank roof drain. This drain was plugged to ensure no oil could back up onto tank roof. On Friday, October 7, 2011 at approximately 1040 hours, while cleaning the roof of Tank 71 to allow the inspection group to access the roof for mechanical thickness reading, scale was removed and a hole developed in the roof. Cleaning was stopped at that point and personnel exited the roof and notified Refinery personnel. The initial leak estimate determined it to be potentially in excess of 1000 lbs of hydrocarbon and 10 lbs of benzene. Prompt notifications to the agencies were made upon discovery. In a separate event at 0915 hours on October 11, 2011, approximately 20 gallons of gasoline were released to the soil when a cam lock fitting did not seal properly at Tank 403. The emissions associated with this event were approximately 116 lbs hydrocarbon and 1 lb of benzene. In combination with the above incident, the RQ for benzene was exceeded.	Mitigation efforts to reduce emissions potential commenced promptly, as tank level was reduced, however, the product could not be removed from the tank roof. Foam was applied to the tank roof at 1540 hours, greatly reducing the emissions from the event. The tank roof was landed Sunday, October 9, and the oil was able to be removed from the floating roof. Additionally, the tank contents were drained and water was introduced into the tank, however a thin oil layer is still present as repairs progressed. There were multiple complaints associated with this incident; a. Terrible odor coming from the direction of the river where there is a barge parked, and several facilities in that direction as well. t134349 b. Terrible odor coming from the direction of the river making several people in area sick. Vomiting, headache, and child exposure. t133866 c. Barge that has been tied up at the docks for 2 days is producing terrible odors. No tempo # d. Incredibly strong and foul odor coming from the direction of the river. No Tempo #
133625 2011-09-01	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Weather A heavy rain occurred then the sulfur plant started having problems around 1130 hrs. They started seeing emissions. They believe it is due to an instrument malfunction.	Chalmette Refining LLC provided a courtesy notification to the LDEQ regarding a release of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere on September 1, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances or permit violations as a result of this event.
133061 2011-08-11	Point Source(s): FLARE: Unspecified location Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A high pressure waste gas flaring system shut down. The flare gas recovery compressor could not handle the load and sulfur dioxide was released into the atmosphere.	The unit rates were reduced to lower the amounts going to the flare.
132776 2011-07-29	Point Source(s): Flare 1 Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 567 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures On 01/28/11, at approximately 9:00am, the amine unit was being taken out of service for a planned maintenance activity. During the course of the shutdown, the DGA circulation in the contactor decreased. The reduced flow occurred concurrent with the loss of the LPG compressor. As a result, there was an H2S breakthrough to the refinery fuel gas system at approximately 1 minute. This event resulted in 86 lbs of excess SO2 emissions.	Fuel Gas incident- The shift leader recognized the problem within 15 minutes of the start of the event and immediately increased circulation to stop the H2S breakthrough and mitigate the SO2 emissions potential. Updated procedures to ensure shutdown activities include awareness of circulation rate and interaction with other unit operators. Refresher training will be conducted with unit personnel on revised procedure. In a separate event at 12:58am, the flare gas management compressors briefly shutdown due to elevated molecular weight (MW) gas which resulted in increased SO2 emissions from the fired combustion units of 481 lbs excess SO2
132743 2011-07-28	Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s): Gasoline - BRQ Benzene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures According to the LDEQ report, "spill resulted from a dewatering operation near a gasoline pump."	BRQ According to SPOC report, standing liquids were removed with a with a vacuum truck. Soil remediation was planned.
132721 2011-07-23	Point Source(s): Flare Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 1,010 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Process Upset On July 23, 2011 at approcimately 23:33 hours, a safety valve on the propane/polypropylene mix drum, D9007 relieved to the No. 1 Flare, resulting in intermittent flaring, and consequently resulting in emission of sulfur dioxide in excess of the reportable quantity of 500 lbs. Incident 11-04337 occurring on July 21, 2011 caused a buildup of hydrocarbons in the compressor seal water decreasing the capacity of the compressors which normally have the capacity to contain this volume.	The seal water on the FRM compressors was changed out as the hydrocarbon buildup contributed to the flaring. Pressure build up in the spheres occurred before the seal water could be changed out in the compressors causing intermittent flaring. The venting could not be delayed as it would have been a process safety issue. Flaring does not normally occur from these procedures.
132609 2011-07-20	Point Source(s): Flare: Unspecified location Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Process Upset A sphere over pressured and dumped to the flare. Pressure safety valve lifted and went to flare.	The sphere was isolated away from the flare.
132500 2011-07-18	Point Source(s): refinery sewer Pollutant(s): Oil - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Weather Large amounts of rain caused flooding at the refinery and Oil backed up into their sewers. There was potential for the Oil to enter the parish's sewer system, but it did not.	No remedial actions needed because the Oil did not enter the parish's sewer system. No refinery letter included in the file.
132392 2011-07-13	Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s): Oil - 0 Benzene - 0	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Chalmette Refining, L.L.C. (CRLLC) provided a courtesy notification to your office regarding a release of oil and benzene to the ground on July 13, 2011. After further review, there were no RQ exceedances or permit violations as a result of this event.	This was just a letter sent from Chalmette Refining, L.L.C., to the LDEQ as a courtesy.
132188 2011-07-09	Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Planned unit shutdown for maintenance operations.	BRQ: According to the Refinery Letter, "unit operations and shutdown timing were adjusted to minimize environmental impact."
132057 2011-06-26	Point Source(s): Slop Oil Tank #72 Pollutant(s): Slop Oil - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A leak from the umbilical cord of Slop Oil Tank #72 released oil on the ground in containment area.	The valves were isolated and the leak secured. The slop oil was contained in the dike area and USES went out for clean-up.
131805 2011-06-13	Point Source(s): fin fan on the Cat Feed Hydrotreater Pollutant(s): Hydrogen Sulfide - 111 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Corrosion Aire release of hydrogen sulfide and compressed flammable gas from fin fan on Cat Feed Hydrotreater at Chalmette Refining. According to the refinery letter, "the Cat Feed Hydrotreater (CFHT)Unit lost power during a transformer switch, resulting in a pressure increase, and the subsequent leak on the E-7778 fin fan." It was determined that the cause was premature corrosion in the overhead fin fans of the CFHT Unit.	RQ of hydrogen sulfide. BRQ of VOCs. Inventory was removed from the unit and system pressure was reduced in order to stop the leak and make necessary repairs Chalmette Refining retained U.S. Risk Management to perform community monitoring during the event. The fin fan tube was isolated until repairs and/or replacement are completed.
131594 2011-06-05	Point Source(s): Outfall 003; Outfall 210 Pollutant(s): Cooling Water (non-contact) - 1,268,400 gallons	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Outfall 003 cooling water system line developed a leak and discharging commenced to Contaminated Stormwater Outfall 210 to prevent equipment and property damage.	BRQ. Refinery letter states that effluent permit limits were not exceeded for Outfall 003 or Outfall 210. A clamp was installed on the leaking pipe to mitigate the volume of water being discharged via Storm water 210 outfall. The affected piping will be isolated and repaired/replaced.
131247 2011-05-17	Point Source(s): Corroded line into Benzene Recovery Unit (BRU), Tank 6304 Pollutant(s): Oil - 189 gallons Benzene - 12 pounds	Cause of Problem: Corrosion A run down line into a benzene recovery unit feed tank was corroded. Amount released was 12.1 pounds of benzene and 189 gallons of oil (aka 1404 pounds of hydrocarbon)	Containment booms and vacuum trucks were utilized to minimize contact with soil. A mechanical engineered clamp was installed to secure the leak. New piping will replace the line that contained the source of the leak. E-mail correspondence with refinery states that (31) 3000 gallon vacuum trucks of oil-water was put back into process (Tank 1024) and 4820 pounds of contaminated soil was shipped to Chemical Waste Management Inc.
131213 2011-05-13	Point Source(s): FLARE-No. 1 Flare; Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) Train II Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 117,344 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Air Products, third party oxygen supplier, experienced a malfunction of an emergency safety device. Oxygen supply was lost to Train II of SRU. The Flare Gas Management System shutdown because of acid gas from the DGA strippers. Two follow-up letters dated 10/25/11 and 11/15/11.	Report states that Air Products re-secured a loose control relay and has ordered a new relay that will fit more securely. EPA Acid-Gas Flaring incident report included. Follow-up letters: A new control relay has been obtained and will be installed in Q4 2012 during a planned outage.
131070 2011-05-09	Point Source(s): PGC 2nd Stage Aftercooler Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 1,952 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Benzene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The PGC 2nd Stage Aftercooler leaked hydrocarbon vapors and compressed flammable gas was released to water. OFFSITE IMPACT: Mississippi River.	BRQ. Refinery letter states that release was below reportable quantities. The exchanger was isolated and the path to water was closed. A boom was deployed at the source and downriver.
131074 2011-04-30	Point Source(s): Cooling Water Platform Pollutant(s): Wastewater - 10 gallons Oil - 1 gallons	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure An operator making a normal round at the Cooling Water Platform noticed oily water sump, D8410, overflowing to the river bature. It was later determined that the check valve on the discharge of the pump had failed in the open position, allowing untreated wastewater to backflow in to the sump. Less than one gallon of oil was released.	Upon discovery, the operator secured the valve and started the pump to evacuate the sump. United States Environmental Services (USES) was dispatched to deploy containment boom around the immediate area and use absorbent boom to recover any potential hydrocarbon present. The clean up was completed on Monday, May 2, 2011. CRLLC replaced the sump check valve on May 4, 2011. Additionally, in an effort to minimize the likelihood of a reoccurence, CRLLC installed an independent high level alarm system on the sump.
130963 2011-04-27	Point Source(s): No. 2 Coker and Cat Feed Hydrotreater (CFHT) Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 1,151 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Unscheduled outages of the No. 2 Coker and Cat Feed Hydrotreater resulted from a temperature change due to operating on combustion air resulted in the release of sulfur dioxide.	RQ. EPA Consent Decree report included. Immediate remedial actions taken: Upstream unit rates were reduced, the Sour Water Stripper unit was shut down, and SRU conditions were adjusted. Further action: 1)Refresher training has been conducted with increased emphasis on the importance of monitoring the No. 1 Converter temperature closely during train transitions to combustion air with pit vapor to prevent recurrence. 2)Procedure to switch from O2-mode to air-mode was modified. 3)MDEA lean loading field testing to be moved to refinery lab, with upgraded analysis procedures 4)Evaluate project to operate SRU units in partial O2-enrichment mode to reduce environmental vulnerability On January 6, 2012 the refinery sent follow-up notification that all action items related to the April 27, 2011 Tail Gas Incident has been completed.
No LDEQ Number Available 2011-04-26	Point Source(s): Cooling exchanger Pollutant(s): Naphtha - 0	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing There was a pinhole leak in a naphtha tube of the cooling exchanger.	At the time of the State Police Hazmat Line report, the refinery was preparing to shut the unit down and make repairs within 24 hours. There were no injuries, fires, fatalities, or road closures.
130822 2011-04-26	Point Source(s): Fractionator Overhead Fin Fan Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 1,791 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 304 pounds	Cause of Problem: Corrosion LDEQ states that a leak was observed in the Fractionator Overhead Fin Fan at the Cat Feed Hydrotreater, releasing compressed flammable gas and hydrogen sulfide.	RQ. Unit commenced an orderly and safe shutdown in order to stop the leak and make necessary repairs.
130697 2011-04-18	Point Source(s): Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC) Unit Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Power Failure According to LDEQ, there was "a pump shut down due to a power trip. After thepump shut down, pressure levels built in the absorber column," which resulted in a release of sulfur dioxide.	BRQ According to LDEQ, "There is a back-up pump in case of emergency where flow was restored during the... flaring." No further information given.
129573 2011-03-01	Point Source(s): Flare Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 1,014 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Malfunction of the compressor spillback valve. The Fluidized Catalytic Cracker (FCC) main fractionator overhead accumulator pressure control valve (79PC502F) began to open to flare due to a sudden increase in pressure in the accumulator, which led to flaring at the #1 Flare. The sudden pressure increase was the result of a stuck compressor spillback valve.	Feed rate to the unit was reduced, pressure was reduced and the pressure control valve setpoint was raised. CRLLC has determined the cause of this release to be a malfunction of the compressor spillback valve. The valve has been evaluated by a technician and the pressure control valve setpoints are being reviewed.
129381 2011-02-23	Point Source(s): PSV Valve Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Under Investigation State Police report states a PSV valve may be leaking and that cause of leak is under investigation. LDEQ Report states PSV valve was leaking to flare system.	BRQ
129367 2011-02-17	Point Source(s): Alky Unit, leak in release valve Pollutant(s): Isobutane - 1,000 pounds Hydrofluoric Acid - 2 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A pin hole leak in a release valve released Isobutane and Hydrofluoric Acid.	BRQ. The unit was deactivated and air monitoring commenced.
128972 2011-02-01	Point Source(s): Isobutane Pump number G9005 Pollutant(s): Compressed Flammable Gas - 1,514 pounds	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket The seal on the isobutane pump failed.	BRQ. LDEQ report states that amount released did not surpass the RQ (5000 lbs) for flammable gas. The pump was isolated and taken out of service and the seal was replaced as corrective action.
128760 2011-01-21	Point Source(s): #2 Bundle Heat Exchanger Lube Oil Cooler Pollutant(s): Motor Oil - 0	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing LDEQ states that an oil sheen observed near Dock #4 by the US Coast Guard was caused by a leak in the lube oil cooler for a compressor on the Fluid Catalytic Cracker. The cooling water leaving Outfall 013 is non-contact and thus should not have oil in it.	The water will be blinded off. Boom was deployed in the area. Referred to Enforcement on 4/11/11. LDEQ report only. No refinery letter.

Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

Releases in 2011