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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge
Releases in 2011
| LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date |
Point Source/Release | Cause | Notes |
| 136029 2011-12-20 | Point Source(s): PSLA #10 quench line flange Pollutant(s):Anthracene - 0 pounds Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 2 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 545 pounds Phenanthrene - 1 pounds Naphthalene - 1 pounds | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket The release resulted from a leak caused by a loose flange. | A pan was placed under the leaking flange to collect oil for reprocessing, and to mitigate further release of the material to soil. The bolts were replaced and tightened which stopped the leak. The contaminated soil was remediated immediately after the leak was isolated. 1.5 barrels of Coker feed (or 63 gallons) was also spilt to soil but is not reported as a specific pollutant emitted. However, coker feed has the same RQ as crude oil (1 barrel or 42 gallons) and is thus exceeded. The RQ for PAHs was also exceeded. |
| 135838 2011-12-10 | Point Source(s): Furnace from a burner line Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given At the time of initial notification, Exxon personnel was attempting to find the source of the problem. No information given about the cause in the written report after the release was all clear. | No remedial actions mentioned. Initial reports indicated a release of over 500 lbs of sulfur dioxide, but Exxon determined that no RQs were exceeded in the written report. The RQ for sulfur dioxide is 500 pounds. |
| 135837 2011-12-09 | Point Source(s): check valve on pump to cooling tower 12 Pollutant(s):Pentane - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket There was a leak from a check valve (over pressure on a check valve on a pump going to cooling tower 12). | No information given on remedial actions. Initial notification was for a release of 1000 lbs of pentane. Later, ExxonMobil determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. |
| 135756 2011-12-06 | Point Source(s): Flare: #19 due to safety valve release on storage tank D-50 Pollutant(s):Propylene - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset Flare #19 flared as a result of a safety valve lifting on the propane storage tank D-50. | No information given. |
| 135706-141385 2011-12-02 | Point Source(s): Fluid Catalytic Cracking Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Cyanide - 22,000 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given Hydrogen Cyanide is being released from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking, but no information was given on the cause of the release (based on first written notification). (There was an initial followup on 8/17/2012 and a final follow up on 1/8/2013 - the following information is from follow up report 8/17/2012): The refinery is reporting a statistically significant increase above the upper bound of the initial reported quantity for hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The increase is based on stack testing on the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit Wet Gas Scrubber. | This is a continuous without interruption release of Hydrogen Cyanide from a 250 foot Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit. ExxonMobil reported the initial release based on a change in methodology as a result of the EPA Information Collection Request and subsequent test data becoming publicly available to other facilities. In the Section II Source Information it states that the normal range for HCN has a lower bound of 44.63 lbs/day and an upper bound of 444.3 lbs/day. Per year, the lower bound would result in 16289.95 lbs/year and the upper bound would result in 162169.5 lbs/year of HCN. If ExxonMobil reported the median of these bounds, the reported amount would be 244.47 lbs/day, or 89229.73 lbs/year. The total quantity released over the year reported by ExxonMobil was 22,000 lbs/year. Breaking this down, they are saying that 60.27 lbs/day of HCN was being released, which much closer to their lower bound limit (44.63 lbs/day). In the written notification they state that they have now found that they are releasing a statistically significant increase above their upper bound (444.3 lbs/day), meaning there is a discrepancy between their reported release amounts. In the initial written notification, Exxon reported a release of 82 lbs/day in the upper bound and 25.6 lbs/day in the lower bound. The reportable quantity for a continuous release of Hydrogen Cyanide is 10 lbs/day. |
| 135690 2011-12-01 | Point Source(s): Exchanger E-527 Pollutant(s):Flammable Vapor - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Exxon attempted to contact the State Police and the LDEQ but got busy signals. During this event exchanger, E-527, at 3 Light Ends experienced a tube leak. | ExxonMobil is in process of repairing leak of exchanger. 310 pounds of flammable vapor was released and no RQs were exceeded. |
| 135484 2011-11-23 | Point Source(s): cooling tower 52 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure Potential leak in cooling tower 52. Instrument erroneously reported that a sample taken for testing was nigh in VOCs but further investigation showed there was no release to the cooling tower. | Samples taken and results were erroneously high. There was no release to the cooling tower. This was confirmed using the El Paso cooling tower sample method. |
| 135328 2011-11-16 | Point Source(s): Broken Valve: Oil mist tank Pollutant(s):Lubricating Oil - 349 gallons | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On November 16th, 2011, at approximately 1:45 pm, there was a release to soil at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery. A controller received a low pressure alarm on the oil mist system, and immediately investigated the source of the alarm. It was discovered that the support structure on the south side of the oil mist tank had collapsed. This resulted in the 1/2 inch bottom valve connection of the level gauge breaking. The level gauge was located on the side of the tank that tilted when the support rack collapsed. Approximately 350 gallons of lube oil was spilled. All material was contained onsite. | Upon discovery, the broken valve was immediately repaired, and the tank is being temporarily supported until permanent repairs are complete. Soil remediation is complete. |
| 135174 2011-11-09 | Point Source(s): Naphtha line NIG Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ Benzene - 9 gallons | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing This LDEQ incident report documents two separate Benzene and VOC releases. The first release of Benzene occurred at 10:00 on 11/9/11 was due to a pinhole leak in a Naphtha line. The second release of VOCs with a percentage of Benzene which occurred at 10:10 the same day and secured within approximately ten seconds later via an automatic safety valve. The unit was shutdown for repair. This incident was caused by a process upset. | The first incident was resolved when a clamp was placed to contain the leak. The second incident was resolved when a safety valve kicked in and the unit was shut down. Air monitoring in the area by Exxon showed non-detect for both incidents. The leak that occurred in the first incident released 9 gallons of material with a 1.2% weight of benzene. This is below reportable quantity. The second incident released more than 1,000 pounds of VOCs and flammable vapors, but they were released into a cooling tower and this did not vent into the atomsphere. Since nothing vented into the atmosphere, this release is below reportable quantity. An initial notification indicated that more than 10 pounds of benezene had been released which is RQ. LABB does not have access to the refinery's incident report. |
| 135124 2011-11-08 | Point Source(s): Fuel Gas line to KDLA unit Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 74 pounds Flammable Vapor - 356 pounds Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs) - 14 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A pinhole leak was discovered on a 6 inch fuel gas line going to the KDLA unit. | An engineered clamp was installed over the leak. Area monitoring was conducted and all readings were below detection limits. Follow-up letter contained initial report with the addition of emission calculations for the event. |
| 135091 2011-11-03 | Point Source(s): Exchanger (unspecified location) Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 43 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure An exchanger is leaking and Exxon is currently assessing the situation to determine how to correct. | They assessed the situation and determined how to correct it. No detailed information given regarding remedial actions. |
| 135083 2011-10-30 | Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s):Methyl Ethyl Ketone - BRQ MIBK(Methyl Isobutyl Ketone) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery provided a written notification to the LDEQ about a release that occurred at the facility on October 30, 2011. Approximately 24 pounds of Methyl Ethyl Ketone and Methyl Isobutyl Ketone were release. | No information given. 24 pounds approximately released. Approximately 12 pounds of each was assumed from broad description for numerical accounting. LABB does not have access to the LDEQ incident report. |
| 134920 2011-10-27 | Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s):F037 Hazardous Waste - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery provided a written notication to the LDEQ of the events and circumstances surrounding the release that occurred on October 27, 2011, at the facility. Less than 1 pound of the listed hazardous waste F037, primary sludge, was spilled to soil. After further evaluation, ExxonMobil has determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. | No information given. |
| 134945 2011-10-26 | Point Source(s): Flare at the tower compressor pump Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures ExxonMobil was trying to bring the rates up on a unit. The tower pressure exceeded what the compressor could pump. This resulted in flaring of SO2. | Another compressor was attached until the pressure went back down. |
| 134769 2011-10-20 | Point Source(s): Gas alarm for Cooling Tower 29 Pollutant(s):No Information Given - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure Gas alarm was plugged causing the alarm to signal erroneously. There was no leaking cooling tower 29. | Evaluation found that there was no leak and additional sampling confirmed that there was no leak at Cooling Tower 29. |
| 134484 2011-10-11 | Point Source(s): Retired tank Pollutant(s):Unknown Substance - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures An empty tank was being moved/demolished and residue from previous contents caused smoldering. The previous contents of the tank are unknown. | Smoldering stopped and air monitoring was conducted to confirm there was no offsite impact. |
| 134671 2011-10-07 | Point Source(s): C-102A and C-102B Pollutant(s):Flammable Vapor - 1,063 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On 10/7/11 at approximately 12:50 am, the Baton Rouge Refinery discovered a release. A controller noticed that the discharge temperature for hydrogen make-up compressor C-102A was increasing, so the compressor was shut down. Operations personnel were dispatched to investigation, whereby they discovered that the compressor had developed a leak. The emergency isolation valves were activated, and the leak was subsequently isolated. The leak was later determined to be from the #2 cylinder head. Approximately 881 lbs of flammable vapor were released. An iNotification was sent at 1:27 am as a precaution. The event was downgraded at 1"37 am, and the close out notification was sent at 2:11 am. During the same 24 hour period, hydrogen make-up compressor C-102B had an ongoing make-up hydrogen leak from a cylinder packing. This event release approximately 182 lbs during the 24 hour period. Combined, the two events resulted in an exceedance of the flammable vapor reportable quantity. | #2 Cylinder head leak. To end the release, the compressor was shut down and isolated. To prevent recurrence, the compressor will be repaired before being restarted. Weather conditions during the event: 69 degrees, 9.5 mph from the east, no precipitation. |
| 134402 2011-10-05 | Point Source(s): E-2 Condenser into CT 18 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 1,442 pounds n-Hexane - 111 pounds Cyclohexane - 32 pounds Benzene - 26 Xylene - 1 pounds Toluene - 1 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing On 10/5/11 at approximately 7:25 pm, the Baton Rouge Refinery discovered a release. A leak was discovered by operations personnel during structured rounds at the Pipestill #9 Unit. The release source was determined by a cooling tower, and investigation determined that heat exchangers in the E-2 bank were allowing hydrocarbon to enter the cooling water system. Upon discovery, personnel lowered the E-2 hydrocarbon pressure. By maintaining the hydrocarbon pressure below the cooling water pressure, hydrocarbon will not be released into the water. Gas testing performed in the area confirms that the release ended when the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered. Review of Pipestill #9 operations indicate the release likely began around noon on 10/5. | Weather conditions at the time of this release: 87 degrees, 6 mph wind from the east, no precipitation. To end the release, the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered, By maintaining the tower pressure below the cooling water pressure, hydrocarbon will not be released into the water. To prevent recurrence, the hydrocarbon pressure was lowered. The computer control system has been adjusted to minimize the tower pressure. A permanent bundle repair will be completed the next time the exchangers are removed from service. Reportable quantities of benzene and naptha were exceeded. |
| 134523 2011-09-23 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower Pollutant(s): - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure Exxon contacted the state police and East Baton Rouge LEPC about an event that occurred on 9/23/11 at 9:24pm. After further evaluation, they determined that there was no release, and no reportable quantities were exceeded. Routine cooling tower sample results were erroneously high due to laboratory instrument error. Further sampling was completed to confirm no leak occurred. | Further sampling was completed to confirm no leak occurred. |
| 134164 2011-09-23 | Point Source(s): #9 depropanizer overhead line Pollutant(s):Propylene - 423 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A pinhole leak at #3 Light Ends Unit in the #9 Depropanizer Overhead line released propylene and flammable vapors. | Upon discovery, personnel began working to isolate and depressurize the line to a recovery system. The RQ for propylene was exceeded. |
| 134110 2011-09-22 | Point Source(s): Underground crude line Pollutant(s):Oil - 495 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 4,813 pounds Benzene - 59 pounds Naphthalene - 179 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Oil was discovered on the ground, and excavation revealed that there was a pinhole leak in an underground crude line. | Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil, soil was being re-mediated, and a clamp was placed on the pipe to prevent further release. All of the release was contained onsite.5051lbs of total VOC released with the addition of Benzene and Naphthalene at 59 lbs and 179 lbs respectively. The Total of Other VOCs that do not include Benzene and Naphthalene is 4813lbs but still exceeds the reportable quantity for the EPA and LDEQ. RQ for Oil is 42gal, Benzene is 10 lbs, VOC is 5000 lbs, and Naphthalene is 100 lbs. |
| 134104 2011-09-21 | Point Source(s): #52 Cooling Tower Pollutant(s):Hydrocarbon - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure The leak in #52 cooling tower did not occur. An instrument gave an erroneously high reading of an unknown quantity of hydrocarbons that led the refinery to believe they had a leak. This was confirmed using El Paso cooling tower sample method as approved by the MACT CC compliance testing method. | There was no release, so it is BRQ. |
| 134100 2011-09-20 | Point Source(s): #8 depropanizer Pollutant(s):Propane - 34 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 1 pounds | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket Alarm went off on console because it lost pressure. They discovered a pump lost a seal on the number 8 depropanizer overhead. | Approximately 35 pounds of material was release, the majority of which was propane. Less than one pound of hydrogen sulfide was released. To end the release, the pump was shut down, isolated, and depressurized. An initial report indicated a release of greater than 1000 pounds of flammable gas and more than 100 pounds of hydrogen sulfide. However, upon further review from ExxonMobil, Exxon confirmed that no RQs were exceeded. |
| 134102 2011-09-19 | Point Source(s): Tank 717 Pollutant(s):Neatsfoot Oil - 319 gallons | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On September 19th, 2011, at approximately 7:40 pm, there was an oil spill to soil at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery. Oil was discovered on the ground South of Tank 717 on the Ketone Dewaxing Unit, and initial investigation revealing that a battery limit block valve had developed a leak. The amount released to soil was approximately 7.8 barrels of Foots Oil, all of which was contained on site. This spill resulted in an exceedance of the LDEQ reportable quantity for oil to soil. | The line was isolated to prevent further release. Vacumm trucks were used to remove oil, and absorbent pads were used to collect oil. The valve will be replaced before returning the line to service. Remediation in underway, and no groundwater impacts are expected. |
| 133873 2011-09-11 | Point Source(s): Safety Valve Discharge Header Piping weld Pollutant(s):Vapor - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket LDEQ received written notification from ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery that there was a release of 200 pounds of flammable vapor due to a pin hole in a weld on a safety valve discharge header piping. | This release is BRQ. |
| 133841 2011-09-04 | Point Source(s): Tower T2B Pollutant(s):N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone - 25 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A pinhole leak on tower T2B resulted in a release of flammable gas from tower inlet line. | The inlet line was isolated 1.5 hours after release discovery and approximately 25 pounds of n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were released. No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. |
| 133778 2011-09-03 | Point Source(s): Safety Valve Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - 18 pounds Gas Mixture - 2 pounds | Cause of Problem: Process Upset A level controller went bad on a hot separator, causing a safety valve to release. The root cause of this event was a plugged level instrument that resulted in high unit pressures. | Upon discovery of the venting, the level instrument controls were bypassed. This allowed unit pressures to return to normal which ended the release. |
| 133608 2011-09-01 | Point Source(s): Exchanger E-527 at Light Ends Unit #3 Pollutant(s):Hydrocarbon - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A leaking tube in exchanger E-527 at Light Ends Unit 3 (LEU3) reboiler is leaking hydrocarbon into an atmospheric condensate drum which is allowing material to reach the atmosphere. | The site plans to remove and/or repair the exchanger to eliminate root cause of leak. This release is ongoing, but after further evaluation. Exxon has determined that no RQs are being exceeded. |
| 133485 2011-08-25 | Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s):Diesel Fuel - 15 gallons | Cause of Problem: No Information Given ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery wrote a letter to the LDEQ as notification of the events and circumstances surrounding the oil spill that occurred at the facility on August 25, 2011. Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Approximately 15 gallons of diesel were released. There were no complaints, injuries, or offsite impact as a result of this incident. Soil remediation is underway. | Soil remediation is underway. |
| 133049 2011-08-10 | Point Source(s): storage tank Pollutant(s):Flammable Vapor - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A storage tank has some pinhole leaks in the top which allowed vapors to escape from the top of the tank. | No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. |
| 132899 2011-08-04 | Point Source(s): Fuel oil line Pollutant(s):Fuel - 26 gallons Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 1 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Operations found an oil stain found on gravel, and further investigation revealed that leak was coming from a fuel oil line that held low sulfur fuel oil. | To end the event. the line was removed from service. No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. |
| 132824 2011-08-02 | Point Source(s): F-105 orafice flange off of D-40 propane drum Pollutant(s):Propane - 39 pounds | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket There is an ongoing leak on the F-105 orafice flange off of D-40 propane drum. | 39 pounds of propane was released from valve's leak before an attempt to repair was made. The leak has now been reduced in size to less than one pound of propane per 24 hour period and permanent repair is underway. |
| 132863 2011-08-02 | Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s):Oil - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information provided about the cause of an 18 gallon oil release. | Soil was re-mediated. No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. 6 gallons of oil reached off site. LABB does not have access to the LDEQ incident report. |
| 132835 2011-07-31 | Point Source(s): Furnace 1 Pollutant(s):Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 1 pounds | Cause of Problem: Weather Initial reports indicate that lighting struck furnace 1 and the fire went out and smoked for 11 minutes. | Less than 1 pound of PAHs were released which is BRQ. |
| 132752 2011-07-27 | Point Source(s): CT-39 Pollutant(s):Benzene - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given A release of benzene was discovered when a routine sampling of cooling water tower was analyzed. The release occurred from cooling tower CT-39. No information about what caused the leak. | After further testing the cooling tower water, no RQs were exceeded. |
| 132753 2011-07-27 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower CT-53 Pollutant(s):Xylene - BRQ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure There was a false report of a leak of Xylene and VOCs at Cooling Tower CT-53. The false indication was do to a coincident addition of water treatment chemicals to the system. Therefore there was no release and no RQs were exceeded. | No RQs were exceeded as a result of this event. |
| 132573 2011-07-19 | Point Source(s): dock berth #2 Pollutant(s):Oil - 0 gallons | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Oil was released from a steam tracing line that runs through dock loading arms' drain pan into the Mississippi River. Oil had inadvertently entered the steam tracing, and when the tracing was opened to remove condensate from the system, the oil was released and deflected to the water. | Booms were used to isolate the area and absorbent pads were used to remove the oil from surface water. The oil was collected, and no groundwater impacts are expected. Future steam tracing will be oil free before returning to service. |
| 132481 2011-07-18 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower 39 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 1,829 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given Cooling Tower 39 sample had high VOC content, but no information is provided about the cause of the release. | This release does not exceed reportable quantity. The RQ for VOCs by the LDEQ is 5,000 pounds. |
| 132414 2011-07-14 | Point Source(s): underground pipe leak E-700f and RHLA-1 underground pipe leak Pollutant(s):Benzene - 16 pounds Oil - 515 gallons | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing An underground line of cat naphtha is leaking. This release was discovered while digging around the pipe. Approximately 3.5 barrels of oil and 9 lbs of benzene leaked from an underground pipe. Additionally, there was a release at the RHLA-1 unit of 7 lbs of benzene from the channel box of E-700F, with makes a total release of 16 lbs of benzene. This amount it reportable quantity. | Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil as it was release, and soil remediation was completed by 7/15/11. The underground pipe and RHLA-1 will be repaired. This release was reportable quantity. |
| 132125 2011-06-29 | Point Source(s): FLARE: C-50 Flare gas recovery compressor Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 1,428 pounds Flammable Vapor - 1,421 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On 6/29/11, Exxon Refinery experienced a compressor malfunction. Operations personnel at the #2 Light Ends Unit discovered a vapor release from the C-50 flare gas recovery compressor due to a missing jackbolt. This release lasted 10 minutes. Additionally, RHLA-1 unit experienced a release from the channel box of exchanger E-700F. Emissions from this release are currently estimated to be 704 pounds per 24 hours. This release, however, is ongoing. | The compressor was isolated and depressurized to end the vapor release. Removing C-50 from service resulted in reduced flare gas recovery capacity, and flaring ensued. Evacuating C-50 of vapor also resulted in flaring. The spare compressor, C-40, was started once C-50 was secured to end the event. To end the vapor release, the compressor was isolated. To end the flaring, the spare compressor was started. Additionally, development and execution of a plan to repair the 2nd release is underway. Both of these release are above reportable quantity. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2011-06-28 | Point Source(s): Steam Pipe Pollutant(s):Water - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Upon discovery it was believed release was coming from piping containing hydrocarbon, however pipe ended up being a steam line and steam was the material release. | BRQ. Steam was the only material released. Refinery letter only. No LDEQ report. |
| 132049 2011-06-24 | Point Source(s): Cooling tower 39 Pollutant(s):Diesel Fuel - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given Notification was given that there was a potential leak at cooling tower 40. Diesel was seen in sample results without physical signs. It was later determined that the sample result for cooling tower 39 was erroneously reported as being from cooling tower 40. Cooling tower 39 was already reported as having a leak. | No remedial actions reported. Exxon Refinery found exchangers that might be the source of the tower 39 leak and fixed those. The facility also took a new sample and the TOC levels are now normal. Cooling tower 39 has previously been reported as having a leak, as discovered during routine sampling using El Paso method (LSP incident #11-03335 and 11-03511) and all emissions from it will be reported under those incident numbers. |
| 131965 2011-06-23 | Point Source(s): Pin hole leak in piping Pollutant(s):Benzene - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Hydrogen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A pin hole leak was found in a piece of piping connected as discharge from the Hydro Cracker Effluent. | No information given regarding remedial action. CO monitor was used to detect the hydrogen leak and read 600ppm. BRQ |
| 132065 2011-06-23 | Point Source(s): pin hole leak in valve going to P-646 meter Pollutant(s):Propylene - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket Pin hole leak found on a coupling between 3/4 inch block valves going to P-646 meter. | The leak was blocked out and depressurized. The release was similar in size to a valve packing leak detected through the refinery's Leak Detection and Repair Program. After calculations, total emissions were calculated to be less than the 100 pound reportable quantity set for propylene. |
| 131902 2011-06-21 | Point Source(s): Bleeder pump P-105 and exchanger E-700F Pollutant(s):Flammable Vapor - 2,627 pounds Propane - 0 Isobutane - 0 | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On June 21st, 2011, at approximately 6:34 am, the Baton Rouge Refinery experienced a release. Operations personnel at the Alky unit discovered a bleeder on pump P-105 suction line releasing caustic, propane, and isobutane. Caustic is used throughout the refinery to remove sulfur compounds from the hydrocarbon streams, and a pressure gauge located on the suction line at this bleeder. The nipple connecting the pressure gauge to the suction line had worn threads, allowing the gauge to become disconnected from the piping system. All caustic was contained on concrete and did not reach the environment. Approximately 1,923 pounds of vapor were released. Additionally, during the same twenty four period, the RHLA-1 unit experienced a release from the channel box of the exchanger E-700F. Emissions from this release are currently estimated to be 704 pounds per 24 hours. Development of a plan to repair this release is underway. | To end the P-105 release, the bleeder was closed and the pump suction line isolated. To prevent recurrence, the bleeder will be repaired before being returned to service. Additionally, bleeders in similar service will be evaluated for similar leak potential by x-ray inspection. |
| 131949 2011-06-21 | Point Source(s): flange fire Pollutant(s):No Information Given - 127 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery provided a written notification to the LDEQ on June 21, 2011 of the events and circumstances surrounding the flange fire that occurred at the facility. After further evaluation, they have determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. Approximately 127 pounds of material were released during the event, excluding any combustion effects. Upon discovery, steam was applied to the flange to extinguish the fire until flange bolts could be tightened. | Steam was applied to the flange to extinguish the fire until flange bolts could be tightened. |
| 131897 2011-06-18 | Point Source(s): flange Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - 28 pounds | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery wrote a letter to the LDEQ on June 18, 2011 for notification of the events and circumstances surrounding the flange release that occurred at the facility. Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. | No information given. |
| 131867 2011-06-17 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 59 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given Sulfur dioxide was released when hydrogen gas was flared. No further information given. | BRQ. Flaring only lasted 8 minutes. No further information was given. |
| 131866 2011-06-16 | Point Source(s): Cooling tower CT-39 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39. | The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th. |
| 131860 2011-06-16 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower Pollutant(s):None - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery wrote a notification to the LDEQ of the events and circumstances surrounding the sample results indication there was a release to a cooling tower at the facility on June 16, 2011. After further evaluation, ExxonMobil determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. The results were erroneously high, and there was no release to the cooling tower. | There was no release. |
| 131831 2011-06-14 | Point Source(s): Cooling tower CT-39 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39. | The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th. |
| 131613 2011-06-07 | Point Source(s): Cooling tower CT-39 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure High indications of hydrocarbons while doing routine sampling of cooling tower water. Heat exchanger has a leak in it - Cooling Tower 39. | BRQ. The refinery states that four separate incident report numbers were issued as ExxonMobil updated agencies of the leak resolution. Incident report numbers are - 131613, 131831, 131866 and 132049. The LDEQ report states that they received updates on the leak until June 24th on the status of the leak, at which point it was "identified and corrective action was taken. However, a July 21st refinery letter states that the leak was resolved by June 18th. |
| 131254 2011-05-19 | Point Source(s): R-3 outlet Pollutant(s):Unknown Substance - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket The release was a flange leak on the R-3 unit. | BRQ: the fugitive component is covered by the site's Leak Detection and Repair program and there were people on site to tighten up bolts on the outlet. Phla Reactor Purge No further information was given. |
| 131217 2011-05-14 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):Oil - 10 gallons | Cause of Problem: No Information Given An oil sheen was reported in ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge Refinery #2 Basin and Callahan Bayou with an oil sheen of 20x30 feet. No further information was given. There was offsite impact at Callahan Bayou. | This release is BRQ. The approximate amount of oil released was about 10 gallons. LDEQ report states that the sheen was cleaned the same day it was discovered. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. |
| 131058 2011-05-05 | Point Source(s): Coker unit Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The coker unit lost a compressor resulting in a release of sulfur dioxide. | Electrician corrected the problem on site within 5 minutes. Follow-up Letter corrects the inaccurate incident date from the original incident report from the refinery. |
| 130816 2011-04-24 | Point Source(s): Tube Valve On Exchanger Pollutant(s):Vapor - 208 pounds Oil - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures LDEQ states that an unknown quantity of oil was released when an operator was doing a pressure survey. A one half inch tube valve on an exchanger failed, resulting in the spill. Approximately 208 pounds of vapor were released. | This release was BRQ. The oil was cleaned. |
| 130721 2011-04-18 | Point Source(s): Leak in HCLA unit Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Hydrogen release from a leak in the HCLA unit. | The HCLA unit was depressurized to stop the leaking. |
| 130592 2011-04-13 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower Water System Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - 100 pounds 1,3-Butadiene - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure There was an exchanged leak into a cooling tower water system resulting in a release. | This release was BRQ. The leak was stopped. 346 pounds of material were released. More than 100 pounds of hydrogen sulfide and more than 10 pounds of 1,3-butadiene may have been released as a result of this incident. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2011-04-07 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):No Information Given - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given No Information Given. | BRQ. No Information Given. LABB only has access to the Refinery letter and not the LDEQ or SPOC incident report. |
| 130466 2011-04-06 | Point Source(s): 20" sewer line Pollutant(s):F037 Hazardous Waste - 250 pounds | Cause of Problem: Human Factors According to the refinery letter, a 20" sewer line was damaged by a back hoe that resulted in a release of sewer water. 30 gallons and 250 pounds of refinery sewer water. | RQ.The amount of primary sludge released exceeded the reportable quantities of 1 lb. A pump was installed upstream of the release point to divert material to another sewer trunk line. The line will be repaired before returning to service and soil remediation is underway. |
| 130351 2011-04-05 | Point Source(s): Primary burner in the 200 Unit of the Sulfur Unit Pollutant(s):Ammonia - 2 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Pin hole leak from the primary burner in the 200 Unit of the sulfur unit. | Isolated leak and repaired. |
| 130442 2011-04-05 | Point Source(s): Unspecified furnace Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset Hydrogen released when a furnace had a pipe go through a temperature swing. Tied to T130054 incident. Furnace shutdown was on f-901 furnace. | No Information Given regarding remedial actions. |
| 130418 2011-04-05 | Point Source(s): Primary Burner in the Sulfur Unit Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Ammonia - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A pinhole leak in the sulfur unit caused an ammonia and hydrogen sulfide leak. | This release is BRQ. The unit was isolated and repaired. |
| 130354 2011-04-04 | Point Source(s): Flange leak on core outlet of furnace Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A flange leak on the core outlet of the furnace caused a release of hydrogen. When this release was reported, the incident was not secured and hydrogen was still being released. | ExxonRefinery has determined that no reportable quantities are being exceeded while shutdown procedures are being executed for Furnace F-901. This incident is related to Incident # 130442. |
| 130393 2011-04-03 | Point Source(s): cooling tower: exchanger Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure This incident report documents two incidents: one that occurred on April 4 and one that occurred on April 5. An exchanger leaked H2S in cooling water tower. No reportable quantities are being released as ExxonRefinery is executing shutdown procedures for furnace F-901. | There are a few inconsistencies in the Refinery report and the LDEQ incident report. The LDEQ incident report states that accident occurred on April 3. It also says the state police number is 11-01875. However, both reports refer to incident # 130393. |
| 130413 2011-04-03 | Point Source(s): FLARE Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 153 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given LDEQ states that when bringing a unit online, flaring occurred. | BRQ. The unit was secured. |
| 130240 2011-03-29 | Point Source(s): Flare: Unspecified flare Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 382 pounds Benzene - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Nitrogen Oxide - BRQ Propylene - BRQ Nitrogen Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The GLA-3X gas compressor shut down resulting in flaring. | The 2x compressor was started to stop flaring. |
| 133503 2011-03-22 | Point Source(s): Exchanger on KDLA unit, tower #22 Pollutant(s):Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure An exchanger on the KDLA unit, tower #22 is leaking VOCs. | The exchangers were isolated and tested to find the leak. The initial sample results were erroneously high and no reportable quantities were exceeded. |
| 129998 2011-03-22 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower Pollutant(s):No Information Given - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given Refinery letter states that a cooling tower release occurred. After further evaluation, it was determined that results from the samples were erroneously high as confirmation samples did not indicate a release. | This release was BRQ. No further information given. LABB only has access to the refinery report and not the LDEQ incident report. |
| 130070 2011-03-20 | Point Source(s): FLARE: ICN unit/R-800 reactor Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset During unit start-up there was a system pressure relief via flare causing a release of sulfur dioxide. | This release was BRQ. No additional information given. |
| 130000 2011-03-18 | Point Source(s): Cooling Tower #25: exchanger Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - 2 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 1,912 pounds Propylene - 122 pounds Benzene - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure LDEQ states that a leak developed in the exchanger at cooling tower #25, resulting in the release of volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, benzene and propylene. | The cooling tower exchangers were blocked out and repaired. LDEQ report only. No Refinery Letter. |
| 129962 2011-03-17 | Point Source(s): FLARE: Power former unit Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset During start-up of power former unit, sulfur dioxide went to the flare to relieve pressure in the system. | This release was BRQ. Due to the low hydrogen sulfide content of the material flared, less than one pound of sulfur dioxide was emitted. Initial report included 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide. |
| 129868 2011-03-13 | Point Source(s): Flange Pollutant(s):Vapor - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A flange leak released approximately 184 pounds of flammable vapor. | This release is BRQ. |
| 129619 2011-03-02 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):None - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Power Failure LDEQ states that power loss occurred, possibly leading to excess flaring. However, later, it was found that no release had occurred or was expected. | No Information Given. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. |
| 129440 2011-02-24 | Point Source(s): Sulfur Recovery Unit incinerators Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 506 pounds | Cause of Problem: Human Factors On February 24th, 2011, at approximately 8:23 am, there was a Tail Gas Incineration event at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery. The Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRLA) was undergoing monthly equipment evaluation when material that is normally routed from SRLA to the Tail Gas Clean Up Unit (TGCU) instead bypassed TGCU and was directed to the SRLA incinerators. This resulted in approximately 476 pounds of sulfur dioxide emissions above the incinerator permit limit. The cause of this release was inadvertent human error. Within the same twenty four hour period, the Powdered Catalyst Unit(PCLA) experienced seal leaks on furnace F-301. The furnace produces steam, and the steam production tubes exit the furnace convection section. Seals where the steam tubes exit the furnace were leaking, allowing flue gas containing sulfur dioxide to exit the furnace. The leaks released 30 pounds of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. Together, these two releases emitted approximately 506 pounds of SO2. There were no offsite impacts, injuries, or complaints as a result of this incident. | To end the release, SRLA tail gas was routed through the Tail Gas Clean Up Unit (TGCU). After further review, ExxonMobil determined that the leaks from the Powdered Catalyst Unit were successfully repaired prior to February 24, 2011. Approximately 476 pounds of sulfur dioxide were released on February 24 due to Tail Gas Incineration. No reportable quantities were exceeded. Total sum of two incidents in 24 hours was 506 lbs which is reportable quantity. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2011-02-18 | Point Source(s): locomotive Pollutant(s):Smoke - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other - See text There was smoke caused by a fire in locomotive. | No information given regarding remedial actions. There is no LDEQ and no SPOC report in the file. |
| 129080 2011-02-07 | Point Source(s): Unspecified line Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given There is no information regarding the cause, but oil was observed below the line and a small vapor was seen coming from the line. | The majority of what was released was water. The line was repaired. The incident date on the SPOC report and LDEQ (2/7/11) do not coincide with the incident date on the Incident Report (2/6/11) submitted by the refinery. Wrong Date Reported. |
| 129074 2011-02-06 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):Smoke - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures LDEQ states that during planned maintenance activity when checking for leaks in the equipment, smoke will be emitted into the air for a few hours. | BRQ. No Information Given. LABB only has access to the LDEQ incident report. |
| 129079 2011-02-06 | Point Source(s): Valve Bonnet Gasket Valve Bonnet Gasket & Exchanger E-527 Pollutant(s):Oil - 500 gallons Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 5,036 pounds | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON SAME DAY & INCLUDED IN SAME REPORT. Emissions from second incident breached the reportable threshold for a 24-hour period. First incident - LDEQ states that there was a leak in a valve bonnet gasket. Lube oil was spilled. 2nd incident involved a release from Light Ends Unit #3. Exchanger E-527 leaked into a condensate system that is open to the atmosphere. A follow up report will be submitted with the root cause in 30 days. | RQ. The valve was isolated to prevent further release. Vacuum trucks were used to remove oil, and soil remediation is complete. |
| 129115 2011-02-05 | Point Source(s): Tank 101: Water Clarifier Unit Pollutant(s):Primary Sludge - 403 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure LDEQ states that the wastewater tank developed a leak, leaking 1/2 gallon of wastewater per minute. Refinery letter identified material released as "primary sludge, hazardous waste F037." LDEQ notes contents of tank are a hazardous material. Exxon personnel pumped all water below the leak point and are working to repair tank. | RQ. Reportable quantities were exceeded. Contaminated soil was removed. The tank will be permanently repaired before being returned to service. |
| 129066 2011-02-05 | Point Source(s): FLARE: Unspecified flare Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 286 pounds | Cause of Problem: Process Upset 2 units were shutdown and caused flaring. Two light end PCLAs. Sulfur Dioxide was released. | There is no information given regarding remedial actions. |
| 129059 2011-02-04 | Point Source(s): Insulated Pipe Band Pollutant(s):N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A leak of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone developed in an insulated pipe band. | BRQ. The unit was shut down. Fluid was collected with absorbent pads. The process unit was evacuated to investigate the incident. Containment of the spill and very low vapor pressure properties of the material prevented any impact on the environment. |
| 129039 2011-02-03 | Point Source(s): Natural Gas Blanket System Pollutant(s):Flammable Vapor - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The Natural Gas Blanket System failed. This caused the vents on the tank to over-pressure. | BRQ. Less than one thousand pound of flammable vapor was released. No information about remedial actions was given. |
| 128902 2011-01-28 | Point Source(s): FLARE: #4 Unit Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 2,063 pounds Nitrous Oxide - 4 pounds Nitrogen Dioxide - 1 pounds Hydrocarbon - 52 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds Propylene - 5 pounds Methane/Ethane Mixture - 1 pounds Carbon Dioxide - 16 pounds Methane - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Process Upset As the #4 unit was starting up, it had a unit swing. To relieve the pressure, flaring took place. During the same 24 hours, the Powdered Catalyst Unit (PCLA) also underwent startup operations. Difficulties with compressor GLA-2X during startup resulted in additional flaring. As a result of this flaring, 1616 pounds of sulfur dioxide was released. Combined, these two sources release 1,716 pounds of sulfur dioxide. However, in a follow-up letter dated March 21, 2011, ExxonMobil stated that 2,063 lbs of sulfur dioxide were released. | This release is RQ. To end the Light Ends Flaring, pressures on the 4 West Rerun and 4 West Splitter towers were reduced. To end the PCLA flaring, compressor GLA-2X was started. To prevent recurrence, procedures will be reviewed for the Light Ends area startups following unplanned downtimes. Additionally, startup procedures for the GLA-2X compressor will be reviewed. |
| 128851 2011-01-26 | Point Source(s): Flange Pollutant(s):Oil Gas - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A leak was discovered on the flange of a coker unit. Oil gas was released to the soil and waste water treatment system. | BRQ. The leak was cleaned up and isolated. Refinery letter states that "complete containment of the spill and very low vapor pressure properties of the material prevented any impact to the environment." |
| 128817 2011-01-25 | Point Source(s): Underground Pipe Pollutant(s):Naphtha - BRQ Benzene - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures LDEQ states that an underground pipe was being excavated for inspection, and powerformer feed, which contains benzene and naphtha were released. Incident location was identified in SPOC report as corner of V and 3rd streets between units. | BRQ. A hole was dug, and the chemicals were vacuumed out. Soil was also cleaned up. Refinery letter states that "due to prompt incident response no reportable quantities were exceeded." |
| 128754 2011-01-21 | Point Source(s): Unspecified tubes Pollutant(s):Catnaptha - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing LDEQ states that catnaptha was leaking out of tubes into a furnace and burning. A black smoke was produced by the burning, which was visible outside the plant. There was a fire inside the furnace. | BRQ. The furnace was isolated. |
| 128794 2011-01-20 | Point Source(s): Tank 261: Pressure Valve Vent Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Flammable Vapor - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Sulfur dioxide, flammable gas, and hydrogen sulfide at levels below reportable quantities were released due to a leak in the pressure valve vent on Tank 261. | BRQ. Vapor recovery was performed. Refinery letter states that no reportable quantities were exceeded and this is considered a courtesy notification." |
| 128656 2011-01-18 | Point Source(s): Leak in Cooling Towers Pollutant(s):Butane - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Butane reading in cooling towers due to small leaks. | The releases were found during cooling tower sampling using the El Paso testing method. No RQs exceeded. |
| 128556 2011-01-10 | Point Source(s): #1 East Debutanizer Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Under Investigation There was a sulfur dioxide spike in the burner line that occurred on the #1 East debutanizer. An investigation is underway to determine the cause. | BRQ. LDEQ report states that the spike was believed to be greater than 500 lbs, over reportable quanity. In the refinery letter, Exxon Mobile states that only nine pounds of excess sulfur dioxide was released, which is BRQ. |
| 128526 2011-01-07 | Point Source(s): Flange Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A flange leak occurred in the sulfur unit. Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide were released. | BRQ. After further evaluation, ExxonMobil determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. Mechanical unit cranked down on the bolts to secure the leak. |
| 128479 2011-01-05 | Point Source(s): Feeder Line Pollutant(s):Propane - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing LDEQ states that an unknown quantity of propane was released due to a hole in the feeder line. | BRQ. No Information Given. Refinery letter states that "due to prompt incident response, no reportable quantities were exceeded." |
| 128412 2011-01-03 | Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s):Isobutane - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure LDEQ states that the leak occurred in a unit that caused an isobutane leak. | BRQ. Refinery letter states that due to prompt incident response, no reportable quantities were exceeded. The unit with the leak was shutdown. |
| 128384 2011-01-03 | Point Source(s): Flange Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure LDEQ states that hydrogen was released due to a fire on the flange. | BRQ. The fire was extinguished. The reactor that caught fire was depressurized. Refinery letter states that air monitoring was conducted during incident and all readings were below equipment detection limits. |
| 128480 2011-01-02 | Point Source(s): FLARE Coker unit & furnace F-301 of the Powdered Catalyst Unit (PCLA) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 411 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 206 pounds | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure Two separate incidents occurred, both resulting in a release of sulfur dioxide. Incident #1: According to the refinery letter, "a drum level instrument on the coker unit malfunctioned" falsely indicating that the drum level was high, sending coker overhead gas to the flare system. This was due to a contaminant in the air system. Incident #2: Seal leaks on the F-301 furnace of the Powdered Catalyst Unit (PCLA) caused the release of SO2 to the atmosphere. | RQ: The first incident released 411 lbs of SO2 and the second released an additional 206 lbs for a combined 617 lbs of sulfur dioxide which exceeds the amount necessary for reportable quantities. Incident #1: To end the release, the drum level instrument was repaired, and the compressor was restarted. As the level instrument malfunctioned due to a contaminant in the instrument air system, filters in the system were replaced and the supply has been restored to prevent recurrence. Incident #2: No solution described in report. Waiting for audit to determine remedial actions. |
| 128445 2011-01-01 | Point Source(s): Reboiler Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure LDEQ states that the facility staff believe that a leak developed in a reboiler on a depropanizer, causing a hydrogen sulfide leak of more than 100 pounds of hydrogen sulfide. In refinery letter, Exxon states that only 29 pounds of material were released which is BRQ. | BRQ. The leak was secured. |
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