LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

Releases in 2012

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source/Release	Cause	Notes
145241 2012-12-11	Point Source(s): NIG Flare and safety valve Pollutant(s): Sulfur Dioxide - 13 pounds Ethylene - 122 pounds Propylene - 5,535 pounds Flammable Gas - 282 pounds	Cause of Problem: Under Investigation ExxonMobil Chemical Plant experience an unanticipated cooling tower water line leak resulting in a shutdown of the Refinery Gas Recovery unit (OLA-1X and EPLA-S) causing 13 pounds of sulfur dioxide, 122 pounds of ethylene, and 29 pounds of propylene to be released as result of flaring. The OLA-1X compressor MC-01 experienced an increased in pressure resulting in an atmospheric safety valve lifting for approximately 45 seconds, released 5,817 pounds of flammable vapos into the atmosphere, 5,506 of which were propylene.	Unit operating procedures for stabilizing EPLA-S during an unanticipated OLA-1X shutdown were implemented to reduce the environmental impact. Root cause is under investigation. The reportable quantities for ethylene and propylene were exceeded.
145240 2012-12-10	Point Source(s): Flare Pollutant(s): Propylene - BRQ Ethylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Other - See text On December 10, 2012 at 23:40, ExxonMobil Chemical had a planned and controlled flaring incident that will last for approximately 24 hours. The flaring occurred during a planned unit start-up.	This event was a controlled flaring event that occurred during a planned unit start-up. All emissions were permitted, no reportable quantities were exceeded.
145263 2012-12-10	Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s): Wastewater - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given A notification letter from ExxonMobil (286) references a release of some kind contaminating surface water. No details are provided relating to how the release occurred or what specific contaminants were released.	ExxonMobil cites in its notification letter that the National Response Center, Baton Rouge USCG, and Water Works Warning Network were notified. The contaminant admittedly released is not provided. A release is admitted but no other details are released in addition to that it was under the reportable quantity.
145253 2012-12-08	Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s): Dimethyl formamide - 48 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given No information given.	On December 8, 2012 approximately 41 pounds of dimethyl formamide (DMF) were released to the concrete and 7 pounds of DMF evaporated to the environment. The notification letter from ExxonMobil does not provide any information relating to what caused the release.
145209 2012-12-06	Point Source(s): flare Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Had problems with a compressor (see incident # 12-07709) so they planned a shut down for repairs. As stated during the courtesy notification calls, the flaring occured during a planned unit shutdown.	All emissions were permitted, and no RQs were exceeded. Rhonda Arledge with EMCP noted that they will do a follow up letter with DEQ involving their permit at a later date. Within their permit to flare the chemicals (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are own this line in order to isolate the compressor to take it off line for repairs. VOCs were released to flare.
145185 2012-12-06	Point Source(s): Flare Pollutant(s): Propylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Process Upset Unit upset required the release of propylene to the flare system.	Flaring was part of online operating adjustments in lieu of shut down.
145178 2012-12-05	Point Source(s): Hydraulic Valve on EPLA-W KC-01 Pollutant(s): Ethylene - 464 pounds Propylene - 109 pounds 1,3-Butadiene - 19 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On December 5, 2012 at approximately 6:18 pm, while repairing an inlet valve on EPLA-W KC-01 compressor the hydraulic valve failed, resulting in flaring. After further investigation it was determined that the lube oil clarifier malfunctioned allowing cooling water to backflow into the lube oil system.	Immediately following the failure of the hydraulic valve, the feed rates to the compressor were reduced. The compressor remained at reduced feed rates until a planned shutdown occurred. To prevent recurrence of this event, the valve has been cleaned and thoroughly inspected. Additionally, the lube, seal, and control oil reservoir circuit has been drained and refilled.
145083 2012-12-01	Point Source(s): pipeline Pollutant(s): Benzene - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A small pinhole leak in a pipeline caused a release of benzene.	Approximately 0.5 pounds of benzene were released during this event. The facility placed absorbent pads and plastic around the pipeline and on the ground. A scaffolding area had to be constructed in order to perform a corrosive inspection. The pipe was repaired on 12/02/2012.
145024 2012-11-30	Point Source(s): flare Pollutant(s): Methyl Chloride - 170 pounds Hydrochloric Acid - 24,383 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure An electrical fault in a transformer caused the Halobutyl unit (RLA-1) C-751 compressor to trip. Subsequently, the unit was shut down. During shutdown processes, safety valve 828-023 (D-751) and 769-021 (D-100) vented methyl chloride the the flare system per design. The combustion of methyl chloride resulted in reportable quantities hydrochloric acid and methyl chloride being released from the flare system. Upon completion of startup, flare gas flow remained slightly elevated from expected baseline. An investigation discovered that safety valve 828-023 did not completely reseat after malfunction, which resulted in low pressure flow in the line causing the trip of the compressor. Material routed to the flare system until the SV was blocked in approximately 20 minutes later. The leaking safety valve resulted in an extended incident duration. According to all refinery letters the quantity of Hydrochloric Acid released was 62,480 pounds and the amount of methyl chloride was 438.0000 pounds. According to the LDEQ report dated March 26, 2013 - the total amount of Hydrochloric Acid released was 24,383 pounds and the amount of methyl chloride was 170 pounds.	The combustion of methyl chloride resulted in 62,480 pounds of HCl and 434 pounds of methyl chloride being released from the flare system. The RQs for methyl chloride and HCl wer exceeded as a result of this event. The restart of RLA-1 C-751 compressor began on 12/1/12 at 11:50 am and was completed at approximately 3:58 pm. Drier regeneration activities were conducted per normal operating procedures from 12/1/12 at 6:54 pm until 12/2/12 at 6:02 pm. These activities resulted in permitted flows of methyl chloride to flare system. According to the 60 day letter dated Feb. 5th 2013: The unit was shut-down and the leaking valve was blocked to isolate the release. The reliability of the lube oil system has been improved by replacing the low pressure kick-in switches, adjust kick-in pressure set point, and conducting on-line testing of the lube oil system. Also, unit operator training on the lube oil systmem for C-751 will be conducted. This event is under investigation to determine the root cause and path forward to prevent recurrence.
147280 2012-11-17	Point Source(s): ammonia scrubber water control valve Pollutant(s): Ammonia - 619 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors The Baton Rouge Chemical Plant is permitted under permit number 2390-V2 to unload ammonia railcars. The resulting ammonia emissions are routed through an ammonia water scrubber before emitting from vent stack V-462. On November 17, 2012, the ammonia scrubber water control valve was inadvertently placed in manual control. The valve remained closed until discovery on January 11, 2013.	Additional training, alarm management, and stewardship will be instituted to prevent recurrence.
144609 2012-11-12	Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures Flaring occurred during a planned maintenance activity. Unknown substance was flared.	Exxon Chemical had a planned equipment outage resulting in flaring. Flaring continued throughout the day and was secure at 18:30. All emissions were permitted and no RQs were exceeded. No information given about what was released or duration.
144539 2012-11-09	Point Source(s): Flare gas system Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 12,208 pounds Benzene - 819 pounds Ethylene - 3,572 pounds Propylene - 1,423 pounds Isoprene - 399 pounds Nitrogen Oxide - 3,938 pounds Sulfur Dioxide - 28,988 pounds 1,3-Butadiene - 924 pounds Toluene - BRQ Hydrogen Sulfide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Instrument Failure A failure of the fuel gas control valve servomechanism actuator failed due to particulate matter in the hydraulic system, causing OLA-2X gas turbine to trip and material to be released to the Site's flare gas system.	Feed was removed from five of seven furnaces and the remaining two furnaces were operating at minimal rates in order to reduce the load on the flare system and emissions to the atmosphere. The hydraulic oil filters and servos were replaced upon discovery of the foulant. The hydraulic oil system was drained, cleaned, and charged with fresh oil in December 2012 to remove a suspected contaminate and particulates. ExxonMobil is conducting additional laboratory analysis of the lube oil at our lubes and specialities lab to determine if additional steps are needed to help prevent recurrence. In addition, improved filtration has been installed. A citizen complaint was recorded and given LDEQ incident number 144543. The complaint cites "Exxon release causing terrible odors, making the caller sick." The LDEQ report references this report, incident 144539 for information on the release. The reportable quantities for VOC, benzene, ethylene, propylene, isoprene, 1,3-butadiene, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide were exceeded as a result of this event.
144468 2012-11-06	Point Source(s): Neo Acids Unit Instrument Tubing Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A leak was discovered on an instrument tubing valve at the Neo Acids unit. The unit was shut down to isolate the leak.	The unit was shut down to isolate the leak. After further evaluation, Exxon Chemical determined that no RQs were exceeded. Less than one pound of flammable vapor was released as a result of this event. Initial correspondence with LDEQ indicate an unknown amount of carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas were released. The refinery letter later indicated that only flammable vapor was released.
144446 2012-11-05	Point Source(s): valve of reactor KR-01B Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 4 pounds Xylene - BRQ Hydrogen - BRQ Carbon Monoxide - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A leak was discovered on the outlet valve of reactor KR-01B at the Escornez unit.	LDEQ initially reports that hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and xylene were released, but later reports that only approximately 4 pounds of flammable vapor were released as a result of this event.
144402 2012-11-02	Point Source(s): compressor MC-02 Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - BRQ Ethylene - BRQ Propylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Process Upset On 11/2/12, compressor MC-02 discharge casing developed a leak.	Sealant was pumped into the casking to isolate the leak. After further evaluation, Exxon Chemical has determined that no RQs were exceeded. Approximately 211 pounds per day of flammable vapor, 32 pounds per day of ethylene, and 26 pounds per day of propylene were released as a result of this event.
143828 2012-10-15	Point Source(s): tube on the RLA3 Unit Pollutant(s): Propylene - 6 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing on 10/15/12 at approximately 09:54, EMCP had a tube leak in the RLA3 unit. A clamp was put on the leak, but there was still a small leak around the clamp.	Air monitoring showed 2000 ppm at the site of the leak. A clamp was placed on the leak but there is still a small leak arounf the clamp. No RQs were exceeded, and approximately 5.8 lbs of propylene were released as a result of the event.
143785 2012-10-12	Point Source(s): South railcar unloading rack from Railcar No. MOBX26060 Pollutant(s): Lubricating Oil - 1,172 gallons	Cause of Problem: Human Factors An operator attempted to collect a routine product quality sample from a hose connected to the belly of the railcar valve. The valve was not closed successfully and lubricating oil was released onto limestone.	The valve was closed. Liquid oil was recovered and pumped into a product tank. The residual oil was cleaned up using absorbent materials. The oil that was discharged on the ground outside the containment was excavated and properly disposed in permitted landfill. The operator was retrained on proper sampling techniques and refresher training for all operators will be conducted. Railcar vendors have been contacted with the intention of replacing older style valves with the more common valve types used today.
143727 2012-10-10	Point Source(s): None given Pollutant(s): Propylene - 20 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given No Relevant information is provided regarding the cause of this event. Approximately 20 pounds of propylene were released as a result of this event.	No information given. LABB only has the 7 day letter written notification - we have not found the initial notification made to SPOC or the LDEQ verbal report.
134793 2012-10-01	Point Source(s): None given Pollutant(s): Gas Oil - 8 gallons Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 0 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given A refinery letter dated October 8, 2012 references a release that occurred at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical plant on October 1, 2012. Approximately 7.6 gallons of process as oil and 0.11 pounds of PAH's were released as a result of this event. No other information was provided in the refinery letter.	No reportable quantities were exceeded.
143606 2012-10-01	Point Source(s): No information given Pollutant(s): Process Fluids - BRQ Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Approximately 7.6 gallons of process gas oil and 0.11 pounds of PAHs were released as a result of this event	No reportable quantities were exceeded.
143305 2012-09-20	Point Source(s): Level instrument on drum D-50 at the POX unit Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A leak was discovered on the level instrument taps on drum D-50 at the POX unit.	No Information Given. After further evaluation we have determined that no RQs were exceeded. Less than 1 pound of flammable vapor was released as a result of this event. LABB only has the 7 day letter written notification, but has not found the initial verbal notification made to SPOC or LDEQ verbal report.
No LDEQ Number Available 2012-09-12	Point Source(s): No Information Given Pollutant(s): Methyl Ethyl Ketone - 10 gallons Butanol 2 - 10 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	No Information Given
143542 2012-08-29	Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 49 pounds Water - 11 gallons Ketones - 0 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 400 pounds Hexane - 160 pounds	Cause of Problem: Weather Several title V operating permit compliance matters and potential RQ exceedances resulting from upset conditions caused by Hurricane Isaac: During a post-hurricane Isaac storm survey, the PV vent on Tank 867 was discovered leaking. Emissions from the PV vent were approximately 49 pounds of flammable vapor. During a post-hurricane Isaac storm survey, socks on floating roof tank 783 were found missing and/or torn as a result of high winds. The missing/torn socks were replaced on September 19, 2012. Emissions from the missing/torn tank socks were approximately 1.9 pounds of VOC. During a post-hurricane Isaac storm survey, multiple tank hatches were discovered either missing or open as a result of high winds. Due to Hurricane Isaac, the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) analyzers may have experienced less than 90% data availability. Also the data calibration drift check on the analyzers may have been missed. The HFU TTU was bypassed for approximately 1 hour due to failure to maintain TTU temperature of 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. This bypass resulted in approximately 0.08 tons of hexane being released.	There were several compliance matters and potential RQ exceedances resulting from upset conditions caused by Hurricane Isaac. The PV vent on Tank 867 was repaired and returned to service on September 5,2012. The missing socks on tank 783 were replaced on Septermber 19, 2012. The tank hatches that were discovered missing were replaced as soon as possible to prevent any further emissions to the atmosphere. The tank that were found open were closed and remonitored using the HAWK camera. In attachment 1 of the written notification you will find a summary of the emissions from the tank hatches that were discovered missing or open. remediation of Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) - EMCP is working to determine the extent to which the CEMS analyzers may have malfunctioned before, during, and after the storm. This information will be included in the CEMS quarterly report. HFU TTU was bypassed for approximately 1 hour resulting in a hexane release. The letter from EMCP asks that LDEQ exercise enforcement discretion and no such penalties be issued for actions and events related to Hurricane Isaac response and recovery efforts. LABB has the 30 day follow up report, as well as the subsequent LDEQ verbal report, but no subsequent written notifications that serve as a follow up to clarify the total pollutants released from the tank hatches that still needed to be repaired as of the October 4th written notification.
142355 2012-08-22	Point Source(s): NIG Pollutant(s): Unknown Substance - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given There was a release on August 23, 2012.	After further evaluation, we have determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded. LABB only has the 7 day letter written notification. The report fails to mention what substance was released.
142193 2012-08-18	Point Source(s): transfer line from "D" furnance to EPLA-W Pollutant(s): Ethylene - 60 pounds Ethane - 27 pounds Methane - 7 pounds 1,3-Butadiene - 2 pounds Propylene - 2 pounds Benzene - 2 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing On August 18, 2012 at 20:27, a leak was discovered on a transfer line from "D" furnance to the "light end unit" EPLA-W.	The line was isolated and secured.
142044 2012-08-11	Point Source(s): None given Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 53 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given	No information given. LABB does not have the initial verbal notification made to SPOC or the LDEQ verbal report - we only have the 7 day letter written notification.
141826 2012-08-04	Point Source(s): seal on pump WMP07A Pollutant(s): Flammable Vapor - 1,033 pounds Isopropyl Ether - 5 gallons	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket At 2:54am on August 4, 2012, the seal on pump WMP07A was discovered leaking isopropyl ether into secondary containment. Approximately 10 gallons of material leaked through a crack in the secondary containment onto the soil. Due to the nature of the isopropyl ether released of Approximately 1033 pounds of flammable vapor were released into the air.	Upon discovery the pump was immediately isolated and removed from service. The pump has been replaced and ExxonMobil is working with pump specialist to evaluate the specifications of the pump. Approximately 20 gallons of isopropyl ether were recovered from the sewer. Since 10 gallons were released to the soil with the the remaining material released into the sewer system (since ~20 gallons were recovered from the sewer there must have been at least 30 gallons total between soil and sewer). Only 4.7 gallons were reported. Approximately 1033 pounds of flammable vapor were released into the air. Upon discovery, the pump was isolated and removed from service. Air monitoring was conducted at 32nd (VOC <7ppm) and 29th (VOC <2ppm) streets along avenue A. There were no injuries, complaints, or offsite impact as a result of this incident.
141699 2012-08-01	Point Source(s): Pump UFPU-150 Pollutant(s): 1,3-Butadiene - 4 pounds Benzene - 3 pounds Toluene - 9 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure On August 1, 2012 pump UFPU-150 was discovered leaking flare condensate to the concrete.	Due to the prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded.
141729 2012-08-01	Point Source(s): pump UKPU-100B Pollutant(s): 1,3-Butadiene - 1 pounds Benzene - 1 pounds Toluene - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Pump UKPU-100B was discovered leaking flare condensate	Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, no reportable quantities were exceeded. Less than one pound of 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and toluene were released.
140713 2012-06-21	Point Source(s): MKC-02 propylene refrigeration compressor at the EPLA-W unit. Pollutant(s): Propylene - 102 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing There was a leak on the clamp of the discharge piping from MKC-02 propylene refrigeration compressor at the EPLA-W unit. The root cause of the clamp leak was due to vibration of the piping. The followup letter states that "individually, this event did not exceed the reportable quantity for propylene, but in concurrence with Incident #12-01617 (EPLA-S cooling tower leak), the reportable quantity for propylene was exceed in a 24-hr period."	Upon discovery, the clamp was pumped with a sealant to reduce the leak rate. The clamp was pumped with sealant on 6/21/12 and 6/22/12, decreasing the leak rate each time. This process significantly reduced the leak around the clamp. Two engineered collared clamps were designed, fabricated, and installed on each end of the original clamp to isolate the remaining leak. ExxonMobil and the clamp vendor are continuing efforts to improve the clamp efficiency. Periodic monitoring was conducted during normal operational rounds. LABB's file includes the 60-day follow-up and the Discharge Notification Report, but no SPOC or LDEQ report. This incident exceeded RQs because it is linked to another emission event - LSP Incident #12-01617. Any additional follow-ups will be communicated through LSP incident # 12-04963
140470 2012-06-14	Point Source(s): Tank 21 and Rain Basin 1 Pollutant(s): Cyclohexane - 1,431 pounds Benzene - 31,022 pounds Toluene - 13,081 pounds Hexane - 2,588 pounds Ethylbenzene - 27 pounds Isoprene - 22 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 14,022 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure A failed bleeder plug was found at Tank 801 in the BRCP's Aromatics Tankfield. Approximately 411 barrels of steam cracked naptha reached the sewer system via this bleeder. All material was retained in waste water treatment facility. While the naphtha was being pumped to tanks #778, #26, #22 and #21, a rain event occurred, which overwhelmed the facility's ability to pump the liquid to the tanks. Therefore, the material was diverted to the Rain Basin I surface impoundment. Of the water pumped into the basin, there were 1,712 lbs of benzene and 419 lbs of toluene.	The water was to be pumped to the waste water treatment plant for treatment before being discharged to outfall 001. Firefighting foam was placed on top to reduce volatilized chemicals. Half the materials spilled were recovered. All values are based on the vaporized material and represents a very small amount of loss. The material is being pumped and moved to onsite storage to facilitate recovery and treatment of the material. All recovered liquid material is being placed in tanks 778, 21, 22, and 26, all of which are properly configured and permitted to store this material. On June 14, 2012, the site began the process of understanding the constituents of the steam cracked naptha that may have been released to the air by performing material balance calculations. During the first 24-48 hours of the incident response, the intial assumptions were that a majority of the material was being contained with minimal evaporative losses. Emissions reporting was based on the initial vaporization of material from the leak duration. Sample of the stored and liquid material were collected from multiple areas and storage facilities to help develop a more definitive material balance of the total steam cracked naptha released. As a precaution, at 1230pm on Jun 14, 2012, approximately 400 employees and contractors in the impacted areas of the complex were tested for potential exposure. ExxonMobil believes that none of these individuals will have any adverse impacts. The site conducted regular monitoring at the fence line every four hours and in three unit areas on an hourly basis during the incident response activites. All fence line readings remain below detection. ExxonMobil Industrial Hygiene personel continue to conduct air monitoring and are verifying safe conditions for areas were personnel are working. Fenceline monitoring will be conducted until the steam cracked naptha material in tank 21 and RB-1 have been treated through the Refinery Wastewater Treatment facilities. Firefighting foam was added to the sewer system every 1-2 hours to minimize the amount of evaporative losses. This foam did not impact wastewater treatment operations or capabilities in the quantities utilized during this incident.
140095 2012-05-28	Point Source(s): Tank 784 Socks Pollutant(s): Benzene - BRQ Isoprene - BRQ Toluene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure Due to the degradation of the socks of the storage tank over time, there was a release of benzene.Tank 784 socks leaked 0.75 lb/hr of benzene. OSHA requires a Highly Hazardous Entry permit to go to the top of the tank and fix the problem.	On 5/29/12/ at approximately 17:00 hours, the socks on the benzene tank were replaced and the release was secured. In the initial report on 5/28/12, the refinery stated that it expected reportable quantity for benzene to be exceeded. However, in the follow-up letter on 5/31/12, the refinery stated that no reportable quantities were exceeded.
139911 2012-05-22	Point Source(s): Flare: No Information Given Pollutant(s): 1,3-Butadiene - 8 pounds	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure There was a compressor surge, which caused a release to the flare.	The refinery's follow-up letter indicates that "due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration," no reportable quantities were exceeded.
138535 2012-03-31	Point Source(s): No information given. Pollutant(s): Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 1 pounds	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were initially reported by the facility to have exceeded one pound from a pine hole leak on a bleeder valve. Later it was determined that less than one pound of PAHs was released.	No reportable quantities were exceeded. No additional information given. The leak was blocked off and the chemicals were said to be transferred to an empty drum. Less than one pound of PAH were released as a result of this event.
138392 2012-03-29	Point Source(s): flare Pollutant(s): Ethylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Start Up, Shut Down Controlled shut down; planned mechanical repairs...Flaring occurred during a planned unit shut down for mechanical repairs. Ethylene was released to the atmosphere.	The flaring lasted several hours, and all emissions were permitted and no RQs were exceeded.
138338 2012-03-27	Point Source(s): no information given Pollutant(s): 1,3-Butadiene - 9 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing A leak developed on a line under some insulation material. Release of 1,3-Butadiene.	No information given. Inconsistency in quantities released. Intitial notification reported release of 10 lbs of 1,3-Butadiene, subsequent written notification reported approximately 9.34 lbs of 1,3-Butadiene.
No LDEQ Number Available 2012-03-22	Point Source(s): No information given. Pollutant(s): Lube Oil - 30	Cause of Problem: No Information Given A total of 30 gallons of lube oil was spilled to soil as a result of this event.	Due to prompt incident response to mitigate the event duration, they have determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded.
138109 2012-03-20	Point Source(s): flare Pollutant(s): Ethylene - 272 pounds	Cause of Problem: Process Upset HC-01 cracker compressor tripped, and all of ECLA-W furnace effluent was routed to the flare system. The lube oil accumulator was found to have a broken bladder. The root cause of the event was due to a loss of lube oil pressure to the compressor during a pump swap.	To end the release, the lube oil pressure was returned to appropriate levels and the compressor was restarted. The lube oil accumulator was found to have a broken bladder. This device is designed to dampen pressure swings when the lube oil pumps are swamped. The faulty lube oil accumulator bladder has been replaced.
138107 2012-03-19	Point Source(s): EPLA-S cooling tower Pollutant(s): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 2 pounds Propylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: No Information Given Release to EPLA-S cooling tower of 26.7 pounds o VOCs (of which 24.4 pounds were propylene).	No information given regarding remedial actions. Leak on EPLA-S cooling tower was tested to determine no RQs were exceeded.
137078 2012-02-08	Point Source(s): Tank SP 1774 Pollutant(s): Sodium Hydroxide - 10,197 pounds Caustic Alkali Liquids - 1,600 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Valve was left open on tank AP 1774 and product spilled to the ground.	Release discovered at 6:20 AM. Personnel discovered fresh caustic coming from a hose connected to an open bleeder. The bleeder was inadvertently left open while returning piping to service. Upon discovery, the bleeder was immediately blocked in. The release was stopped within 2 min of discovery. A total of 11,000 gallons of 10% fresh caustic material was spilled to soil. This event resulted in 10,197 lbs of sodium hydroxide released to soil. All material was contained within the tank containment dike and was routed through the wastewater treatment recovery unit. Upon discovery, the bleeder was blocked in and soil remediation was initiated. To prevent recurence the plant said they would review and enforce site standards for inspecting piping prior to returning to service. The contaminated soil was removed and no groundwater impacts were expected. RQ exceeded for sodium hydroxide. LDEQ report says tank AP1774 but SPOC report says tank SP1774.
136849 2012-01-31	Point Source(s): Tank 1952 Pollutant(s): Methylcyclopentadiene - 6 gallons	Cause of Problem: No Information Given oily material was discovered seeping into an excavation at Tank 1952.	All of the material was contained within the excavation hole. All hydrocarbon material was removed and soil remediation is in progress. Tank 1952 has been emptied to prevent any further exposure to the environment. No RQs were exceeded.
136458 2012-01-11	Point Source(s): KND-72 seal oil drum Pollutant(s): 1,3-Butadiene - 4 pounds Benzene - 3 pounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 76 pounds	Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket A leaking union was discovered on KND-72 seal oil drum.	They have determined that no reportable quantities were exceeded.

Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

Releases in 2012