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 19 February 2007 morning briefing, the company reported that all fires including the flange fires have been extinguished. Additional activities being conducted include: asbestos air sampling and wet removal of asbestos debris scattered outside the hot zone; air monitoring around the hot zone for subsequent investigation and cleanup purposes; neutralization of acid spill; assessment of leaking 2 inch propane line; and, assessment of all units from damage.
The planned actions will be to continue to evaluate the condition of the facility, isolate the leaking propane line, evaluate and removal of 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 continue to monitor the progress being made by the facility. The facility will provide periodic updates to both agencies.
The EPA and TCEQ departed the site on 19 February 2007 following the 0800 briefing as the facility appeared to be in a stable condition.
The Chemical Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration remain on-site and continue their investigations.
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