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 occurred in the propane de-asphalting (PDA) unit which also 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.
At the 18 February 2007 morning briefing, the company reported that the fire that had reignited at 1445 the previous day was extinguished by 2333 that evening. The company did indicate that some minor flange fires continued. Additionally, the company was able to reduce the size of the exclusion zone, reoccupy its primary EOC (Administrative Offices and Fire Station), and reopen roads around the refinery.
At the 1300 briefing, the company reported that the acid leak continues to flow into the stormwater pond from an unknown source. This material would eventually be treated in its wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, it was reported that a 6 inch line with hydrocarbon product began leaking. The company also reported that TAS Environmental Services continues air monitoring support and that Total Safety would be placing a telemetry enabled series of Area Raes on the perimeter of the hot zone to evaluate these areas for health and safety purposes. The company reported that the source of the sulfuric acid spill remained unknown, however no additional acid was reported to be releasing.
At the evening briefing, the company reported that they had two active hydrocarbon leaks and that they believed they had identified the location of the sulfuric acid leak but it was no longer leaking.
The planned actions will be to continue to evaluate the condition of the facility, isolate any leaking lines, evaluate and remove asbestos containing materials released to the ground or tattered as a result of the explosion and ultimately repair the damaged portions of the facility.
The EPA and TCEQ will be briefed on overnight activities at 0800 on 19 February 2007. The company is focusing on evaluating the stability of the facility, and addressing the damaged asbestos containing insulation.
The EPA anticipates that it will depart the site on 19 February 2007 following the 0800 briefing as the risk of additional off-site impacts has deminished.
The Chemical Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are on-site and continue to interview and assess the cause of the incident.
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