U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Shell Motiva Norco Air Monitoring - Removal Polrep
Initial and Final Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VI
Subject: POLREP #1
Initial and Final
Shell Motiva Norco Air Monitoring

Norco, LA
Latitude: 29.9977317 Longitude: -90.4174202

To:
From: Steve Mason, OSC
Date: 7/4/2012
Reporting Period: 7/3/2012 - 7/4/2012

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number:      Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority:      Response Type:  
Response Lead:    Incident Category:
NPL Status:    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:      Start Date:  
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

Emergency

1.1.2 Site Description

Adjacent communities to the Shell Motiva complex.

1.1.2.1 Location

15536 River Road, Norco, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Possible chemical release associated with the start-up an oilefin unit within the Shell Motiva plant. 



2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative

The Shell Motiva (Motiva) complex experienced a facility upset associated with an olefin unit.  While the unit was down and being repaired, Motiva diverted off-spec products to flare stack(s).  On 03 July 2012 at 1640 hrs, Motiva commenced start-up of unit.  On 04 July 2012 at 0410 hrs, Motiva returned the unit to operation; ceased flaring; and was in the process of bringing the unit back to optimal capacity. 

While the complex was experiencing the facility upset and during start-up, Motiva conducted ambient air monitoring for H2S, CO, and VOCs along the facility fence line and within adjacent communities.  Motiva stated that they have not detected any targeted emission over background levels.     


2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

On 03 July 2012, OSC Mason activated START-3 to conduct a Tier 2 response to determine whether the olefin unit start-up was releasing noxious emissions and impacting adjacent communities in addition to coordinate activities with Motiva representatives. 

On 03 July 2012 at 1850 hrs, START-3 arrived to the incident location.  Prior to arrival, START-3 contacted the Motiva Site Supervisor who stated unit start-up time and their air monitoring efforts and results.  START-3 conducted ambient air monitoring for the same parameters as Motiva with the addition of butadiene within the area around the Motiva complex including adjacent communities while focusing monitoring on communities downwind of the flare stacks.  START-3 air monitoring did not reveal any targeted emission over background levels.  START-3 briefed OSC Mason and ceased air monitoring at 2200 hrs.

On 04 July 2012 at 0835 hrs, START-3 resumed ambient air monitoring.  Prior to resuming operations, START-3 contacted the Motiva Site Supervisor who stated at 0410 hrs the unit was in operation; they ceased flaring; and they were continuing air monitoring and no reading over background levels have been detected.  START-3 conducted 2 rounds of ambient air monitoring and no targeted emissions were detected over background levels.  START-3 briefed OSC Mason.  At  1025 hrs, START-3 ceased air monitoring and demobilized. 

  2.2 Planning Section
    2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

None

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

None

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

None

2.2.2 Issues

None
  2.3 Logistics Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    No information available at this time.
3. Participating Entities
  No information available at this time.
4. Personnel On Site
  No information available at this time.
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  No information available at this time.
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.