LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

About the Database

Formosa Plastics (288), Baton Rouge

Releases in 2012

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source/Release	Cause	Notes
140294 2012-06-06	Point Source(s): 1.5 inch furnace nozzle Pollutant(s): Vinyl Chloride - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Corrosion 1.5 inch furnace nozzle was leaking vinyl chloride due to corrosion of the nozzle	The furnace was shut down. Leak was expected to be stopped within 1-2 hours. Amount of chemical released is unknown. The release was not in exceedance of a reportable quantity.
139846 2012-05-21	Point Source(s): decon header Pollutant(s): Propylene - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Propylene leak on the decon header which is return piping to non-volital residue 01	The facility isolated the line and evacuated it. Amount of Propylene released is unknown.
139199 2012-04-25	Point Source(s): Cooling Tower Heat Exchanger Pollutant(s): Vinyl Chloride - BRQ	Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure The refinery reported a possible release when cooling tower samples showed high readings from a possible heat exchanger leak.	Email communication indicates that there was an initial miscommunication concerning the sample results. According to the email, there was no exceedance of reportable quantities.
137128 2012-02-13	Point Source(s): piping Pollutant(s): Hydrochloric Acid - 5 pounds Vinyl Chloride - 10 pounds Ethylene dichloride - 50 pounds	Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing Release of hydrochloric acid, ethylene dichloride, and vinyl chloride from a pinhole leak found in piping.	Sprayed water on leak to suppress vapor release. No fires, injuries, or evacuations. No letter from the chemical plant. SPOC report states that the vinyl chloride might be close to the RQ. No written notification, only SPOC and verbal report.
136543 2012-01-16	Point Source(s): PR401A Pollutant(s): Vinyl Chloride - 1,255 pounds	Cause of Problem: Human Factors Release valve lifted on PR401A and released 1255lbs of of vinyl chloride.	The emissions will be added to the annual emissions statement.