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Louisiana Oil Refinery Explosions
Louisiana’s oil refinery industry has witnessed numerous catastrophic explosions over the years, each leaving a lasting impact on the community, workers, and the environment.
These incidents highlight the inherent risks of refinery operations and emphasize the need for stringent safety measures to protect lives and property.
Marathon Petroleum Oil Refinery Explosion
An explosion rocked the Marathon Petroleum plant in Garyville, Louisiana, on February 21, 2022, shaking homes and businesses as firefighters raced to douse the resulting blaze. One person was injured after the blast, which was heard for miles around, around 9:30 a.m.
The state of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality said some of the refineries were placed under a shelter-in-place order, and some workers were moved to a closed area to avoid contamination.
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Westlake Chemical South Explosion
The communities of Sulphur and Lake Charles, Louisiana, were rocked by an explosion at the Westlake Chemical South plant on January 26, 2022. Witnesses reported a mushroom-shaped cloud in the sky near the plant, and officials said that it was a tank of ethylene dichloride that exploded.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the Westlake Chemical plant explosion, and local schools implemented a shelter-in-place order to protect students and faculty from any potential exposure.
Ethylene dichloride, also known as 1,2-dichloroethane, is an odorless liquid that smells like chloroform. It is known to cause cancer in humans, and exposure can have immediate consequences as well. Inhaling ethylene dichloride can cause throat and nose irritation, skin exposure can cause severe steam burns, and continued exposure can lead to headaches, loss of consciousness, and dizziness.
Six people were injured in this chemical plant explosion. One was treated at the scene and five others were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Related Article: TPC Chemical Plant Explosion Litigation
Williams Olefins Plant Explosion
An explosion at the Williams Olefins plant rocked the small town of Geismar, Louisiana, on June 13, 2013. The plant suffered what was later described as a “catastrophic” failure of a heat exchanger, triggering an explosion that could be felt for miles. Two people were killed and more than 100 of the employees on-site were injured in the accident.
How Many Oil Refineries Does Louisiana Have?
The state of Louisiana currently has at least 17 oil refineries in operation, with a refining capacity of approximately 3.4 million barrels per day of crude oil. This amounts to about 20% of the nation's refining capacity.
The first producing well, the Heywood #1, was found in Acadia Parish. Since then, oil producers have needed to find ways to refine crude oil so that it can be used.
Large Capacity Refineries (>300,000 barrels per day)
Garyville
- Garyville Refinery – Marathon Petroleum Company
- Capacity: 585,000 barrels per day
- Established: 1976
Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge Refinery – ExxonMobil
- Capacity: 520,000 barrels per day
- Established: 1909
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Refinery – Citgo
- Capacity: 418,000 barrels per day
Medium Capacity Refineries (100,000 - 300,000 barrels per day)
Westlake
- Lake Charles Refinery – Phillips 66
- Capacity: 264,000 barrels per day
Norco
- Norco Manufacturing Complex – Shell
- Capacity: 236,721 barrels per day
St. Charles
- St. Charles Refinery – Valero
- Capacity: 215,000 barrels per day
Chalmette
- Chalmette Refinery – Chalmette Refining LLC / PBF Energy
- Capacity: 190,000 barrels per day
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Refinery – Calcasieu
- Capacity: 135,500 barrels per day
Meraux
- Meraux Refinery – Valero
- Capacity: 125,000 barrels per day
Small Capacity Refineries (<100,000 barrels per day)
Krotz Springs
- Krotz Springs Refinery – Alon USA
- Capacity: 80,000 barrels per day
Port Allen
- Port Allen Refinery – Placid Refining
- Capacity: 75,000 barrels per day
Shreveport
- Shreveport Refinery – Calumet Lubricants
- Capacity: 57,000 barrels per day
Cotton Valley
- Cotton Valley Refinery – Calumet Lubricants
- Capacity: 13,020 barrels per day
Princeton
- Princeton Refinery – Calumet Lubricants
- Capacity: 8,300 barrels per day
Related Article: Complete List of Oil Refineries in Texas
What is the Largest Oil Refinery in Louisiana?
ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge Refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the largest refinery in the state, 5th largest oil refinery in the U.S., and 13th largest in the world, with an input capacity of 540,000 barrels (86,000 m3) per day as of January 1, 2020. The refinery is the site of the first commercial fluid catalytic cracking plant that began processing at the refinery on May 25, 1942.
Standard Oil first erected the refinery in 1909. Today's facility is part of a complex made of 9 individual plants across the region. The main plant is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. There are about 6,300 workers spread across these sites, including 4,000 direct employees.
FAQs
Can residents file a lawsuit if they have been harmed by pollution from Louisiana refineries?
Yes, residents who have been harmed by pollution from Louisiana refineries may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Legal claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and pain and suffering. These lawsuits often allege negligence or violations of environmental laws by the refinery operators.
What are the signs that a refinery is causing environmental damage?
Signs that a refinery may be causing environmental damage include persistent foul odors, visible smoke or flares, frequent health complaints from nearby residents, contamination of local water sources, and the presence of dead vegetation or wildlife in the area.
Can property values be affected by proximity to a Louisiana refinery?
Yes, property values can be negatively affected by proximity to a Louisiana refinery, particularly if the refinery has a history of pollution or environmental violations. Potential buyers may be deterred by the health risks and environmental concerns, leading to lower property values in the surrounding area.
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