On 19 July 2009, at approximately 0835 hours, an equipment failure resulted causing a fire of released Butane and a potential release of Hydrogen Fluoride from a #2 Alkylation Unit at the Citgo Corpus Christi east plant. Perimeter monitoring conducted by TCEQ and Citgo did not detect any VOCs or Hydrogen Fluoride. The fire fighting and water spray suppression appear to have prevented any releases from being detectable at the site perimeter. One injury resulted from the initial fire.
On 30 July 2009 EPA perimeter air monitoring for VOCs and HF continues to reflect non-detect. CITGO is depressurizing the unit and is preparing to make the connections to de-inventory the unit. De-inventory is delayed pending CSB and OSHA approval of the alterations that need to made to remove the inventory from the unit.
Incident response is being monitored. No removal actions planned at this time.
Continue to Coordinate with state and federal agencies and continue to monitor the situation.
There has been a non-detect of VOCs and HF from air monitoring around the perimeter of the facility. The pressure in the unit is low and CITGO indicates that all leaks, specifically HF, have stopped. CITGO is continuing efforts to allow access to the unit. Unauthorized discharge of untreated saltwater used in fire fighting and vapor suppression nearby industrial channel continues.
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