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Formosa Plastics (288), Baton Rouge

Releases in 2010

LDEQ Accident Number
Accident Date
Point Source/Release CauseNotes
126823

2010-10-02
Point Source(s):
condenser to coolant tower

Pollutant(s):
Ethylene dichloride - BRQ
Vinyl Chloride - BRQ
Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

Release of ethyl dichloride and vinyl chloride due to a condenser leak to the coolant tower.
Retesting coolant tower. Amount of ethyl dichloride and vinyl chloride released is unknown.
126824

2010-10-02
Point Source(s):
1/2 inch valve from V2000 C

Pollutant(s):
Ethylene dichloride - BRQ
Vinyl Chloride - BRQ
Hydrochloric Acid - BRQ
Cause of Problem: Process Upset

1/2 inch flow transmitted from V2000 C starting leakin from a 1/2 inch valve resulting in the release of unknown quantities of ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride, and a hydrochloric acid mixture.
The valve was isolated to stop the leak. Amount of ethylene dichloride, hydrochloric acid mixture, and ethylene dichloride released is unknown but below reportable quantity.
128245

2010-07-09
Point Source(s):
piping in VCM unit

Pollutant(s):
Carbon tetrachloride - 11 pounds
Chloroform - 23 pounds
Cause of Problem: Corrosion

A pinhole leak was discovered in the process piping and a valve in the VCM Unit. The pinholes in the metal of the affected piping/valve was likely caused by internal corrosion.
The affected piping/valve was scheduled for an internal inspection during outages. It will be re-emphasized to affected personnel the importance of accurate information in release estimations and proper inspection and maintenance of equipment. Actions were taken to isolate and stop the leak. The affected equipment was shutdown, de-inventoried, and repaired.
124335

2010-06-12
Point Source(s):
Relief valve on heat recovery steam generator #3

Pollutant(s):
Natural Gas - 340,599 pounds
Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

The cause is believed to have been the failure of two pressure regulators in series on the natural gas pipeline, which then caused the pressure relief valve to open to protect the integrity of the line and equipment. The release was discovered on 6/21/10, but the LDEQ report states that the release duration may have occurred over a 10-day period beginning on 6/12/10. Relief valve on heat recovery steam generator #3 for natural gas.
Upon discovery, the release was immediately isolated.
121465

2010-02-11
Point Source(s):
Furnace A (point source 230A)

Pollutant(s):
Hydrogen Chloride - BRQ
Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

Permission emissions limit was exceeded at Furnace A. A tube in the furnace convection section had failed. 143 lbs of HCL was emitted. No reportable quantity was exceeded.
No information given
121038

2010-01-26
Point Source(s):
1/2" line

Pollutant(s):
Ethylene dichloride - BRQ
Cause of Problem: No Information Given

1/2" line broke and had to isolate it to stop the release of EDC. Subsequent calculations indicated that the RQ amount of the material was not exceeded.
Secured within 30 minutes.
121040

2010-01-26
Point Source(s):
"a column"

Pollutant(s):
Vinyl Chloride - BRQ
Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing

Vinyl Chloride leaking from a pinhole leak on a column.
Clamp was placed over the leak and it was secured within 40 minutes from being notified. Calculations indicate that reportable quantities were not exceeded.
120537

2010-01-01
Point Source(s):
Isolation block valve for the RV-C204-2, column NC204

Pollutant(s):
Vinyl Chloride - BRQ
Cause of Problem: Process Upset

The isolation valve for the RV-C204-2 leaked through from the NC204 column.
The only way to repair the problem was to isolate and shut down the column.