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Valero (1238), Meraux
Citizen Complaints in 2009
| LDEQ Accident Number Complaint Date |
Notes |
| 112404 1/29/2009 | Description: N flaring with white smoke, burnt smell, and loud refinery noise with huge S flare from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: no RQs exceeded due to this incident Investigation Delay: 60 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112371 1/28/2009 | Description: St. Bernard Fire Department received a number of calls from concerned citizens regarding excessive flaring at Murphy Oil. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Upset with LPG vessel in area 4 which resulted in flame. Returned call to Mr. mones. Investigation Delay: 14 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112146 1/20/2009 | Description: Vibrations from Murphy Oil Refinery felt in home, emissions from taller "incinerator" stack, S flare low flame, N flare huge flame- continuing until 1/20/09 and then observed steaming noise-steam from new shorter stack of boiler Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: DEQ doesn't regulate noise or vibrations, discussed odor issues and received Odor Abatement Plan from Murphy Investigation Delay: 6 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112098 1/17/2009 | Description: odor in air from Murphy Oil Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: Murphy has special odor monitoring program, investigation found no problems Investigation Delay: 30 Accident Report Filed: |
| 111735 1/4/2009 | Description: Petrol smell in air very strong from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: discussed odor issues associated with refinery, received requested Odor Abatement Plan from Murphy which hopefully will minimize offisite odor complaints Investigation Delay: 60 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112988 2/25/2009 | Description: Orange particulate matter blowing in air from Murphy's stack. Material is acidic when contacting moisture. Health Effects: Burning her and her family's eyes. LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: 3/4/09 inspector was at the refinery when there was a reversal of the #2 FCCU. The #2 FCCU was shut down and restarted, root cause analysis found 3 causes: a burned wire in a temporary boiler, a circuit breaker that prematurely initiated an emergenc Investigation Delay: 7 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112852 2/18/2009 | Description: Oil Refinery has had several issues - noise rumbling, flaring, bad sulfur smell Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: mild odor from waste water treatment plant noticeable at Gate 8, plant did receive a call from the community for a gasoline odor which was not found during the investigation of the call, plant was in normal operation except for the distillate hydro t Investigation Delay: 390 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112801 2/14/2009 | Description: very strong odors coming from Murphy Refinery; large flame; rumbling noise Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: mild odor from waste water treatment plant noticeable at Gate 8, plant did receive a call from the community for a gasoline odor which was not found during the investigation of the call, plant was in normal operation except for the distillate hydro t Investigation Delay: 22 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112733 2/13/2009 | Description: gaseous odor coming from stack on N side of Murphy Oil Refinery emitting black smoke, winds Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: cavitation problem with compressor B-6, unit tripped and during startup some material was sent to the flare, the flare smoked Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: |
| 112659 2/11/2009 | Description: Large flares with lots of black smoke. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes- LDEQ Notes: Investigation Delay: 0 Accident Report Filed: n/a |
| 112430 2/1/2009 | Description: Foul odor in air- winds east- from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: No LDEQ Notes: Investigation Delay: 30 Accident Report Filed: n/a |
| 113755 3/26/2009 | Description: Lots of steam, large north flare, after rains large south flare. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Reviewed refinery operations on 4/17/2009 found the plant to be in normal operations. Some of the nosie can be attributed to the recently installed boilers B-5 and B-6. Investigation Delay: 22 Accident Report Filed: |
| 113590 3/23/2009 | Description: Burning sulfur smell from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspection conducted at Murphy on 3/24/2009 with not evidence of odor. Checked refinery's records and could not find and irregular operations. Investigation Delay: 30 Accident Report Filed: |
| 113644 3/22/2009 | Description: Loud start up noises and has huge flames from flare with dark smoke. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Checked logs and could not find cause. There was black smoke from the south flare on 3/24/2009 (#113643) due to the Wet Gas Compressor at the #2 FCCU malfunctioning. Investigation Delay: 30 Accident Report Filed: 113643 |
| 113173 3/4/2009 | Description: Refinery spewing black smoke . Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Murphy representative searched through the records and could not find any evidence of this incidence. Another noise complaint was called in the same day. Investigation Delay: 7 Accident Report Filed: |
| 114537 4/28/2009 | Description: Various smells and noises comign from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspector visited refinery on 4/30/09 and no abnormal plant operations were noted. Investigation Delay: 2 Accident Report Filed: |
| 114431 4/24/2009 | Description: Odors in air from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Requested update on the Odor Abatement Report meeting held on 4/7/09. Inspector held conference call with Murphy representatives and informed complainants Investigation Delay: 27 Accident Report Filed: |
| 114268 4/18/2009 | Description: Odors from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Murphy representative searched through the records and could not find any evidence of this incidence. Called Mr. Dalier back about the situation. Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: n/a |
| 114109 4/9/2009 | Description: Odors in the air- south wind- large flare-black smoke being emitted and roaring noise coming from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Reporter also noticed odors at the time of complaint. Attributed complaint to the repairing of the ROSE Solvent Recycle Pump on 4/9/2009. Investigation Delay: 73 Accident Report Filed: |
| 115081 5/18/2009 | Description: constant humming sound from Refinery Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: steam turbine on the vacuum tower bottoms had a cavatation problem and made some unusual noises, except for the unusual noise the plant was in apparent normal operation Investigation Delay: 270 Accident Report Filed: |
| 114726 5/6/2009 | Description: Loud refinery noises, huge flares with plenty of smoke, tremendous amount of steam from shorter boiler stack. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Murphy boiler B5 was testing for vibration, but otherwise plant was in normal operations. Investigation Delay: 8 Accident Report Filed: |
| 115977 6/25/2009 | Description: Noise returned, mild sour odor. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspector went to the refinery on 6/30/09. There was a slight odor of hydrocarbons but no noise. Plant did not have any abnormal operations on 6/25/09, but Murphy personnel did smell a sour odor that was not coming from Murphy. Investigation Delay: 5 Accident Report Filed: |
| 115963 6/24/2009 | Description: Constant humming tone with medium to high pitch coming from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspector went to the refinery on 6/30/09. There was a slight odor of hydrocarbons but no noise. The noise is attributed to the caviation from Boiler #5. Called complainant about this information. Investigation Delay: 6 Accident Report Filed: |
| 115591 6/11/2009 | Description: Murphy has inadequate stormwater provention and debris is filling canal which causes drainage problems. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspector met with complainant at complaint location. Did not find canal filled in with debris. Contacted water inspection inspector for further information with no areas of concern. Investigation Delay: 6 Accident Report Filed: |
| 115381 6/2/2009 | Description: Odors from Murphy-wind E/SE- wants DEQ to test air. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Inspectors collected an air canister sample from the complainant's address. It was noted that there was a dead animal smell at the time of sample collection, but the wind direction had changed and the smell was no longer coming from the refinery. Investigation Delay: Same Day Accident Report Filed: |
| 117066 7/27/2009 | Description: Parish officials told neighborhood association the Murphy Oil had a permit to build, but when they called DEQ they were told they did not have a permit. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Called complainant back on 8/10/09 and explained that the building did not require a permit due to the size restrictions. Investigation Delay: 14 Accident Report Filed: |
| 116582 7/20/2009 | Description: Murphy Oil refinery emits sulfur and land is toxic from Hurricane Katrina. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Did odor patrol on 7/20/09 and found only normal, light refinery odors around the plant. Plant was in normal operations. Investigation Delay: Same Day Accident Report Filed: |
| 116601 7/20/2009 | Description: Odors in air possibly sulfur- also, north flare is emitting a small amount of black smoke. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Did odor patrol on 7/20/09 and found only normal, light refinery odors around the plant. Plant was in normal operations. Investigation Delay: Same Day Accident Report Filed: |
| 117655 8/31/2009 | Description: steaming, refinery noises inside house, mild burnt sulfur, gaseous odors Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: the investigation didn't disclose noise odors or vibrations that rose to the level of regulatory concern, concerns weren't reported to the refinery so no investigation was conducted at the time of the incidents Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117644 8/31/2009 | Description: Various environmental issues with Murphy. Concerning painting of tanks on site and vibration and odors. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Unable to confirm because it was raining and there was no painting or sandblasting at the tank farm. Also no odors or vibrations. Investigation Delay: 16 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117632 8/31/2009 | Description: Sulfur smell is so strong you cannot go outside- no meters by her house. Children cannot go out and play. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Reviewed plant records and found no unsual odors and normal operations. Investigation Delay: 16 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117522 8/25/2009 | Description: Odor in air- possibly sulphur from Murphy. Complainant feels that if he can smell a refinery related odor at his home, that odor is going to cause him harm Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Checked plant records with no areas of concern. Contacted complainant by phone on 9/14 about results. Complainant was not satisfied with the investigation. Investigation Delay: 24 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117435 8/21/2009 | Description: Flare ups intermitent throughout night with larget flare at 11:30pm. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Checked plant records with no areas of concern. Contacted complainant by phone on 9/14 about results, complainant was not satisfied with the investigation. Investigation Delay: 24 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117413 8/20/2009 | Description: Strong odors from plant, noise and flaring. Submitted a log os activity she noted from the refinery for August 2009. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: contacted complainant, complainant wants to submit an activity log based on her observations Investigation Delay: 4 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117305 8/14/2009 | Description: Odors in the air-smoke being emitted from north flare- disposing of waste through flare. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Refinery odor patrol have documented slight odors from the treatment unit in the past. Attributed smoke and noise to the mechanical failure at the Platformer Net Gas Compressor on 8/7/09. Investigation Delay: 66 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117281 8/13/2009 | Description: Odors and black smoke emitting from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Refinery odor patrol have documented slight odors from the treatment unit in the past. Attributed smoke and noise to the mechanical failure at the Platformer Net Gas Compressor on 8/7/09. Investigation Delay: 67 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117339 8/13/2009 | Description: Odors in air- black smoke being emitted from north flare. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: 2 minutes puff from flare while steam was use to control the smoke so there was some noise. No excessive odors were recorded during the daily odor patrol according to plant personnel. Investigation Delay: 68 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117229 8/12/2009 | Description: Odors and large flames from Murphy. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Platformer Net Gas Compressor had mechanical problem and caused some noise. Was repaired. Investigation Delay: 68 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117099 8/7/2009 | Description: Loud noise and disturbing release of steam. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Murphy called in about a mechanical failure at the Platformer Net gas Compressor which forced an emergency shutdown. Investigation Delay: 74 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117058 8/5/2009 | Description: Heavy particles from Stack #5 at Murphy falling onto residence. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Met with Murphy representative on 8/6/09. There is no Stack #5, but may have been Boiler #5 as they have had problems with it in the past but was fixed. Particulates occurred in Feburary 09, but there were none at the time of the complaint. Investigation Delay: 1 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117023 8/3/2009 | Description: Putting out yellow cloud for about 15-20 mins that smelled like someone lite a match. Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: Yes LDEQ Notes: Refinery was in normal operations during the complaint. Attibuted odor to traffic, outdoor burning, or refinery. Yellow color is consistent with pollen. Investigation Delay: 77 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118336 9/30/2009 | Description: noise issues, south flare from both stacks, heavy sulfur smell Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: this is not a compaint about a specific incident, it is a listing of observations about the plant that concern the complainant at the times recorded in the complaint, in this instance the plant was in apparent normal operation and no emissions in exc Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118238 9/27/2009 | Description: grayish discharge from a southern stack, large flares at north and south flares Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: flare emissions are normal at a petroleum refinery and odors are also normal at a petroleum refinery Investigation Delay: 4 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118209 9/25/2009 | Description: emissions and noise from Murphy Oil, heavy sulfur smell Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: flare emissions are normal at a petroleum refinery and odors are also normal at a petroleum refinery Investigation Delay: 6 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118184 9/24/2009 | Description: sulfur and burnt type smell in AM on 9/24 - chemical odor entered vehicle while driving through neighborhood Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: flare emissions are normal at a petroleum refinery and odors are also normal at a petroleum refinery Investigation Delay: 7 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118059 9/18/2009 | Description: black smoke emitting from flare Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: at the time of this reported incident, the refinery was in apparent normal operation Investigation Delay: 25 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118064 9/18/2009 | Description: strong odors noticed while driving thru Judge Perez Tank Farm area; also noticed red containers labeled "Bio Solid" that are misting Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: at the time of the complaint, there was a wind about 10-15 mph from about 190 degrees, there was also an odor from the waste water treatment plant near Gate 8, plant was in apparent normal operation and no upsets were noted Investigation Delay: 150 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117987 9/15/2009 | Description: open ditch system overflowed into pipeline easement/parking lot into Jacob Canal Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: cause of drainage problem was from mud buildup in the ditch btwn Jacobs st and Jacobs ditch, no evidence that the refinery had overflowed its western ditch Investigation Delay: 14 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117817 9/4/2009 | Description: dead bees after rain shower Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: visit to the site and review of the plant records found no areas of concern, complainant stated that he was not satisfied with the way that the Murphy plant was regulated by DEQ Investigation Delay: 11 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117719 9/3/2009 | Description: foul odors emitting from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: neither able to confirm the emission reported nor identify the source Investigation Delay: 39 Accident Report Filed: |
| 117657 9/1/2009 | Description: around 2 am steaming noises, prevalent burnt smell, wind directly from Refinery Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: the investigation didn't disclose noise odors or vibrations that rose to the level of regulatory concern, concerns weren't reported to the refinery so no investigation was conducted at the time of the incidents Investigation Delay: 8 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119084 10/28/2009 | Description: strong sulfur odors emitting from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: at the time of the visit, didn't smell any offensive odors Investigation Delay: 1 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119115 10/28/2009 | Description: emitting odors and flaring noise Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: didn't smell any offensive odors or note any unusual loud noises, there had been a small leak in a manway at the FCC unit which was discovered about 10/16 and the repair was completed on 10/19 Investigation Delay: 1 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119065 10/27/2009 | Description: ongoing problems with odors and noise emitting from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: at the time of the visit, didn't smell any offensive odors Investigation Delay: 2 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119011 10/25/2009 | Description: noise and smells emitting from refinery Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 12 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119008 10/20/2009 | Description: refinery noise, nasty gaseous smell mixed with sweet smell emitting from stack, steaming noise on Wed Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 8 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118854 10/19/2009 | Description: bad odors causing he/wife to have to evacuate their home, loud engine noise and vibration Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 18 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118867 10/19/2009 | Description: noise and flaring Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118869 10/19/2009 | Description: gaseous smell, steaming noise, gaseous and sulfur smell, steaming noises Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 15 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118890 10/19/2009 | Description: very loud noises and terrible odors Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: problem developed at the FCCU and the repair was completed on Nov 19, during this time a portion of an FCCU manway had a leak that was subjected to a steam spray for safety reasons, small hydrocarbon leak was subjected to a jet of steam to ensure it Investigation Delay: 9 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118816 10/18/2009 | Description: very tall flame on flares and noise associated with flaring Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: #2 Cat (FCCU) was in startup mode at the time of this report from a citizen, brief flaring is a normal part of balancing the #2 Cat during startup Investigation Delay: 2 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118828 10/18/2009 | Description: flaring with large amt of black smoke Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: FCC was in startup mode, plant log doesn't show a large amt of smoke and the startup was progressing normally Investigation Delay: 10 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118811 10/16/2009 | Description: excessive continuous noise in neighborhood - source of steam release in upper levels of cat unit just east of neighborhood Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: at time of visit, no offensive odors or unusually loud noises noted, there had been a small leak in a manway at the FCC unit which was discovered about 10/16 and repair was completed on 10/19 Investigation Delay: 12 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118429 10/4/2009 | Description: strong burnt smell emitting Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: this is not a compaint about a specific incident, it is a listing of observations about the plant that concern the complainant at the times recorded in the complaint, in this instance the plant was in apparent normal operation and no emissions in exc Investigation Delay: 2 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118721 10/3/2009 | Description: noise and flaring issues since 10/3/09 thru today Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: complaint not about a specific problem, listing of observations by the complainant at the times noted, refinery was in apparent normal operation with no upsets or reportable events Investigation Delay: 11 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118375 10/1/2009 | Description: heavy sulfur odors from Murphy Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: this is not a compaint about a specific incident, it is a listing of observations about the plant that concern the complainant at the times recorded in the complaint, in this instance the plant was in apparent normal operation and no emissions in exc Investigation Delay: 5 Accident Report Filed: |
| 118361 10/1/2009 | Description: odor in air, possibly sulfur Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: this is not a compaint about a specific incident, it is a listing of observations about the plant that concern the complainant at the times recorded in the complaint, in this instance the plant was in apparent normal operation and no emissions in exc Investigation Delay: 7 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119253 11/4/2009 | Description: continuous flaring associated with noise - black streaks and trailing smoke Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: on 11/5, refinery repaired a leaking PSV on the area #2 Fuel Drum, leak was hard to find because it was a small leak and it vented to the refinery flare, when leak was found - the leak was repaired by stroking the valve to reseat the valve, during 11 Investigation Delay: 5 Accident Report Filed: |
| 119216 11/3/2009 | Description: flaring events and noise Health Effects: LDEQ Followup: yes LDEQ Notes: on 11/5, refinery repaired a leaking PSV on the area #2 Fuel Drum, leak was hard to find because it was a small leak and it vented to the refinery flare, when leak was found - the leak was repaired by stroking the valve to reseat the valve, during 11 Investigation Delay: 6 Accident Report Filed: |
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