On 16 February 2007, at approximately 1405 hrs an explosion occurred at the Valero Refinery in Sun Ray, Texas. The PRP is Valero Energy Corp. of San Antonio, TX. The site is located in a mostly rural area approximately 10 miles north east of the town of Dumas, TX. The explosion and resulting fire caused damage to the facility's fire fighting system. The incident resulted in the injury of multiple plant workers who were transported to University Medical Center located in Lubbock, TX.
The refinery is currently shut down and all non-essential personnel evacuated. The explosion and resulting fire caused damage to the firefighting systems at the refinery. In the hours after the incident the refinery reported somewhat limited firefighting capability. Plant fire fighters backed away from the fire during the beginning hours of the response due to safety concerns however they were able to begin applying water to the fire by approximately 2000 hours.
EPA representatives along with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality representatives have performed air monitoring and sampling around the site. Monitors indicate levels of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide and VOCs at or near background. The air samples are to be transported to a state laboratory on 2/17/2007. Texas DPS has implemented a two mile exclusion zone downwind of the refinery. According to local law enforcement officials there is only one residence located in the evacuation zone. That residence was requested to evacuate however elected to stay.
As of 1000 hours 17 February 2007 facility representatives report the fire greatly diminished. Representatives indicate this is due to the efforts of plant workers to isolate the fire from its fuel sources that bring product into the propane deasphalting unit (PDA) involved. Plant officials also indicated 2 one ton chlorine cylinders were involved in the fire. Officials indicate one of the cylinders was completely destroyed and one cylinder appears to be compromised and was slowly leaking but has since been stopped.
The RP also indicated a sulfuric acid leak of approximately 500 gallons resulting from the blast. The RP indicated that they have isolated the release and are planning to neutralize the spilled product impacting the soil and fire water.
The RP will continue to isolate lines involved with the PDA to extingish the remaining burning product. Valero has contained the release of chlorine and will work with the cylinders owner to recover the remaining product. The RP will neutralize the sulfuric acid spill to the ground and stormwater system.
All monitoring has shown limited to no off-site impact.
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