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Motiva Enterprises (2719), Convent
Releases in 2008
| LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date |
Point Source/Release | Cause | Notes |
| 111370 2008-12-11 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 3 (77H-101) Tail Gas Treating Unit 4 (78H-101) Flare No 3 (19G-301) Pollutant(s):Nitrogen Oxide - BRQ Carbon Monoxide - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - 103 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 2,895 pounds Particulate Matter - BRQ Seal Oil - 791 pounds | Cause of Problem: Process Upset Upset of the ebulated-bed residuum hydrocracker (H-oil Unit) with a series of fluctuating alarms. While responding to the alarms, operators noticed a fire on the compressor turbine casing and immediately responded to extinguish the fire. The primary cause of this event was a H-Oil unit malfunctioning local level controller on the sour oil seal pot causing the drain valve to remain open and lose reference gas pressure across the seal oil pot. | FIRE. Operations began to reduce production by reducing charge rates on units and to troubleshoot H-Oil recycle compressor and fin fan malfunctions. Immediate action was taken to begin the process of stabilizing, slowing down and shutting down the H-Oil unit and other units as necessary. Affirmative defense letter. Motiva inspected and completed insrumentation checks on the level control for thesour oil seal pots the level control drain valve and the level gauge. A faulty high-level switch was found and replaced. COR will schedulean operation's monitoring cycle to ensure proper sour oil seal pots level. COR will also add a level control loop for the sour oil seal pots levels during the next maintenance outage. |
| 110742 2008-11-11 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. | FIRE. Fire quickly extinguished by operations personnel using a handheld fire hose |
| 110556 2008-11-03 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures removing the exchanger bundle from its shell resulted in ignition of pyrophoic material in the exchanger | FIRE. Letter states that emissions were BRQ |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-11-02 | Point Source(s): VPS-2 Atmospheric Heater (83H-101) Pollutant(s):Oxygen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset Atmospheric Tower Naphtha Recycle Pump tripped causing a unit upset | Affirmative defense letter. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-10-28 | Point Source(s): VPS-2 Atmospheric Heater (83H-101) Pollutant(s):Oxygen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure a bearing failure on the induced draft fan caused the heater to make a swtich that resulted in a suddens shift in heater firing and oxygen levels in the heater | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 110293 2008-10-22 | Point Source(s): Boiler 801 (81F-801) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 1,221 pounds | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure Faulty level alarm on the C3/C4 H2S Absorber caused a heater to trip. This caused the amine circulation to be reduced which inadvertently caused overloading of the amine system. | Affirmative defense letter precedes regular report. Motiva will review potential threats for the instrumentation to determine appropriate modifications or adjustments |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-10-19 | Point Source(s): VPS-2 Atmospheric Heater (83H-101) Pollutant(s):Oxygen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset see notes. Loss of off gas from unit's Off Gas Scrubber | Affirmative defense letter |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-10-19 | Point Source(s): Mississippi River Pollutant(s):Hydraulic Oil - 5 gallons | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures While performing maintenance activities on the dock, hydraulic hose ruptured on a barge installing pilings. | River carried away spill before a cleanup crew could be assembled. Maintenance activities were discontinued and the failed hydraulic hose was isolated. This prevented additional hydraulic oil from being released to the river. The failed hose was replaced. Maintenance crews at dock inspected machinery to make sure all hoses were in acceptable condition. |
| 109465 2008-09-23 | Point Source(s): VPS-2 Atmospheric Heater (83H-101) Pollutant(s):Oxygen - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Air flow to the heater was shifted more to one side than the other and an oxygen fan was operating at low RPM | Affirmative defense letter |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-09-23 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 4 (78H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure failure of TGTU Absorber Tower level controller | Affirmative defense letter |
| 109411 2008-09-20 | Point Source(s): Flares Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 | Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information given | Letter states that emissions were BRQ. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-09-19 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 2 (76H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Insufficient oxygen supply to the Sulfur Recovery Unit | Affirmative defense letter |
| 109302 2008-09-18 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 2 (76H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset upset in the Amine Regeneration Units | |
| 108900 2008-09-11 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. | Diesel powered air compressor caught fire |
| 108469 2008-08-31 | Point Source(s): Flare CAP (19F-3, 19AH-901, 19G-310, 19G302) Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - 3 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Weather Hurricane Gustav prompts preparatory shutdown. Natural gas was cutoff by provider (highly unusual - didn't happen w/ Katrina). Flaring occurred b/c there was not enough time for material to be processed by downstream units | Motiva currently trying to regain power for start-up of all units. Follow-up report revises prior calculation of SO2 emissions from 2600 lbs to BRQ. |
| 108218 2008-08-21 | Point Source(s): Tank 20D-19 Mixer Pollutant(s):Gasoline - BRQ | Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information given | Letter states that emission were BRQ. Initial reports stated that approximately 2 barrels of gasoline were leaked to the ground. |
| 107997 2008-08-13 | Point Source(s): Alkylation Unit pump Pollutant(s):Sulfuric Acid - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Fresh acid leak on suction side of a pump. | Letter states that emissions were BRQ and did not create reportable emergency conditions |
| 107907 2008-08-10 | Point Source(s): Boiler 801 (81F-801) Boiler No 2 (31F-802) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 75,172 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 292 pounds | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure loss of accurate level and flow info to the HGU's carbon recovery section resulted in a unit upset by the carrying of hydrocarbon material to the flare system for pressure relief | Motiva will review potential threats for the instrumentation to determine appropriate modifications or adjustments. |
| 107909 2008-08-08 | Point Source(s): Plant 21 Pipeway Pollutant(s):Heavy Straight Run Naphtha - 126 gallons | Cause of Problem: Corrosion hole appears to result from corrosion of exterior insulation. | The section of HSR line has been replaced. Motiva will remove insulation and inspect the HSR line for addition corrosion threats. |
| 107881 2008-08-08 | Point Source(s): Underground Process Sewer along the Plant 21 Pipeway Pollutant(s):Slop Oil - 210 gallons | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing process sewer and hub appear to have belowground piping and/or pipe seal structural integrity deterioration | Motiva has planned to itnernally clean, inspect, and provide adequate containment for the section of process sewer and hub to prevent a recurrenc |
| 107837 2008-08-06 | Point Source(s): Hose at the Water Treatment Plant Pollutant(s):Sulfuric Acid - 188 gallons | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure a pump suction hose ruptured. | Although acid entered a stormwater drainpipe and flowed into an open ditch and culvert to the south, Motiva states that there was no offsite impact. Motiva's Process Engineering Dept conducted an evaluation of the hose and recommended a more compatible hose type (Stallion Acid-Chemical resistant Teflon-lined hose). New hose installed 8/7/08. In addition, Motiva's Pressure Integrity Inspection group will conduct a weekly visual inspection of the hose. Release exceeded the 1,000 pound reportable quantity for sulfuric acid |
| 107791 2008-08-05 | Point Source(s): West Tank Farm Pollutant(s):Crude Oil - 420 gallons | Cause of Problem: Corrosion under deposit corrosion inside 36 crude line creates a 1/4 inch ho | The hole has been clamped and a slip blind put in place at the upstream block valve to further isolate the line from the product. |
| 107171 2008-07-13 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Other see notes | FIRE. Insulation was soaked and ignited outside the plant. Fire monitor was put on the fire and it was put out. |
| 106483 2008-06-17 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 1 (17AH-103) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 85,334 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 716 pounds | Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down unplanned shutdown of boiler feed water system occurred which caused shutdown of refinery's boiler feed water syste | Motiva secured the electrical conduit for the pump controller on the day of the incident. Motiva will evaluate and set the BFW pump auto-starts to a specific minimum BFW system pressure. Motiva has set the auto-start to 725 psi as an interim measure. |
| 106378 2008-06-11 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit No 4 (78H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 968 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Faulty solenoid valve of the O2 valve which tripped and unreacted H2S entered the TGTU | Motiva claims affimative defense. Data here provided in DEQ report and Motiva letter of 6/18/08. Operations contacted the electrical and instrumentation (E&I) department to investigate the cause of the closure of the oxygen trip valve. After finding the faulty solenoid on the oxygen trip valve, E&I installed a new solenoid. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-06-06 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit No 4 (78H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Process Upset upset in the Amine Regeneration Units | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 106126 2008-06-03 | Point Source(s): Tank Pollutant(s):Spent Caustic - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Overpressure of a spent caustic tank caused the roof to separate. | No letter from Motiva. File contains DEQ report and verbal notification. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-05-02 | Point Source(s): Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit Wet Gas Scrubber (EPN 2F-903) Pollutant(s):Carbon Monoxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure malfunctioning FCCU WGS continuous emissions monitoring system analyzer | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 105080 2008-04-24 | Point Source(s): Heater Check Valve Pollutant(s):Oil Gas - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Leak on H-oil unit reactor. Heater check valve had a flash fire | FIRE. |
| 105047 2008-04-24 | Point Source(s): Process Unit: Catalytic Reformer Unit Pollutant(s):Hydrogen - 167 pounds Methane - 7,809 pounds Ethane - 706 pounds Ethylene - 301 pounds Propane - 820 pounds Propylene - 106 pounds Butane - 449 pounds n-Butane - 217 pounds Isobutylene - 19 pounds trans-Butylene - 11 pounds cis-Butylene - 7 pounds Isopentane - 61 pounds Pentane - 49 pounds Hexane - 109 pounds Nitrogen - 1,335 pounds Carbon Monoxide - 113 pounds Carbon Dioxide - 101 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Corrosion line leak developed due to internal corrosion | Motiva Pressure Equipment Integrity Group has been tasked with evaluating this line and making recommendations that will reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-04-23 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure malfunctioning flow meter causes release | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 105022 2008-04-22 | Point Source(s): VPS-1 Unit Pollutant(s):Crude Oil - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing . Line ruptures: Leaking bleeder on VPS-1 Unit | Letter states that emissions were BRQ |
| 104915 2008-04-09 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit No 4 (78H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure process ratio analyzer malfunction causes operational instability that resulted in excess SO2 emissions. | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 103830 2008-03-07 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure malfunctioning airflow control valve | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 103708 2008-03-06 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket seal leak on pump on H-Oil Unit | DEQ report gives no info concerning type and quantity of pollutants released. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-03-06 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure control valve malfunction allows excess H2s to enter Concentration Column | Affirmative defense letter. |
| 103449 2008-02-27 | Point Source(s): VPS-1 Unit Pollutant(s):Gas Oil - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Small leak from a vaporizer. | No official letter from Motiva; files include DEQ report and verbal notification |
| 103359 2008-02-23 | Point Source(s): H-Oil Unit (hydrocracker) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 2 pounds Gas Oil - 5 gallons | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Incipient fire from a leaking bleeder on the H-Oil Unit | FIRE. Motiva will continue to monitor process bleeders, caps, and plugs for correct positioning and isolatio |
| 102852 2008-02-05 | Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information given | No info on point source or specific amt released |
| 102700 2008-01-29 | Point Source(s): 001 Outfall Pollutant(s):Benzene - 9 pounds Oil and Grease - 93 pounds | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing a main wastewater line ruptures following a repair on a small line | Massive process water release (872,000 gallons). Motiva submits lengthy incident report (~50 pp.) a |
| 102521 2008-01-23 | Point Source(s): VPS-1 Unit Pollutant(s):Lubricating Oil - BRQ Natural Gas - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down a compressor undergoing shutdown began leaking lube oil and caught fi | FIRE. Level 1 Fire ignites but is contained on site. Letter states that all combusted materials were BRQ. |
| 102537 2008-01-23 | Point Source(s): TORVEX Incinerator EPN 79J-904 Pollutant(s):Hydrogen Sulfide - 42 pounds Methanol - 1,203 pounds Carbon Monoxide - 9,204 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds - 1,166 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure failure of an antifriction ball bearing in the blower results in shutdown of the incinerator. | Rotating equipmt and other supporting engineering personnel will complete the investigation of the failure and implement necessary changes to monitoring inspection and maintenance procedures |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-01-17 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 4 (78h-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Hydrocarbon carryover into the amine system due to an incident in/around the H-Oil Unit | Affirmative defense letter. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-01-15 | Point Source(s): Dock No 1 Pollutant(s):Heavy Distillate - 8 gallons Lubricating Oil - 0 gallons | Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Firewater Pump on Dock 1 developed a leak in the upper part of the Turbo Lubricating Tube. | Pump leak repaired on1/14/08; personnel monitored the pump and containment and used spill pads to ensure that there was no additional leakage; secondary containment in the process of being repaired |
| 102257 2008-01-13 | Point Source(s): None Reported Pollutant(s): | Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures planned blowdown of PSA Compressor for maintenance | Courtesy notification of planned blowdown of Hydro line. Letter states that no RQ's were exceeded. |
| 102246 2008-01-12 | Point Source(s): HGU WWTU Flare (EPN 85D-105) Pollutant(s):Ammonia - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure malfunctioning level controller let to Pilot outage on flare due to liquid extinguishing the flare. | Cold weather led to salt disposition on a level gauge that suppressed the high level alarm on the flare knock out drum. Letter states that remedial action will be taken, but does not specify whic |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-01-06 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 4 (78H-101) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - BRQ | Cause of Problem: Process Upset upset in the Amine Regeneration Units | Affirmative defense letter. |
| No LDEQ Number Available 2008-01-05 | Point Source(s): HGU WWTU Flare (EPN 85D-105) Pollutant(s):Ammonia - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Other see notes. Pilot outage on flare | Under investigation. Affirmative defense letter. |
| 102008 2008-01-02 | Point Source(s): Tail Gas Treating Unit 1 (17AH-103) Pollutant(s):Sulfur Dioxide - 1,301 pounds Hydrogen Sulfide - 0 pounds | Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure a pressure transmitter malfunctions causing a shutdown of TGTU-1 inline heater. This sparks a chain of events that result in release of SO2 | Motiva will review potential threats for the transmitter to determine appropriate modifications or adjustments if any |
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