BLANCHARD REFINING GALVESTON BAY REFINERY

SummaryA chemical release occurred at the Blanchard Refining Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas, involving multiple potentially dangerous chemicals including isobutane, propane, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The incident released several gases that could pose serious health risks to nearby residents, with some chemicals like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide being particularly harmful to respiratory systems and potentially causing breathing difficulties. Residents in the Galveston Bay area should immediately stay indoors, close all windows and doors, avoid outdoor exposure, and contact local health authorities if they experience any unusual symptoms such as difficulty breathing, eye irritation, or respiratory distress.

What was emitted

• 21.21 POUNDS of Isobutane
• 247.42 POUNDS of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• 50.84 POUNDS of Propane
• 0.94 POUNDS of Propylene
• 1682.39 POUNDS of Sulfur dioxide
• 0.35 POUNDS of Trans-2-butene
• 1.28 POUNDS of 1-Butene
• 0.21 POUNDS of 2-Butene-cis
• 76.82 POUNDS of Butane, N-
• 1260.74 POUNDS of Carbon Monoxide
• 0.41 POUNDS of Ethylene (gaseous)
• 17.90 POUNDS of Hydrogen Sulfide

How did it happenRV found leaking to flare that lead to a pump trip causing the sponge oil drum to depressure to flare.