[StBernard] Operations Back To Normal At Chalmette Refinery

[Westley Annis]

Operations Back To Normal At Chalmette Refinery

Officials: Air Quality Being Monitored Around Plant, On Westbank

POSTED: 11:45 am CDT October 11, 2011

UPDATED: 12:06 pm CDT October 11, 2011

CHALMETTE, La. -- Operations are back to normal at a Chalmette refinery that
experienced a malfunction allowing a chemical release Monday evening.

Officials at the plant said repairs on the unit with the problem were
completed just after Midnight.

The chemicals that were released -- sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide --
created an unpleasant smell that was noticed by residents across the river
on the Westbank. Spokesman Will Hinson told WDSU that air quality is being
monitored both at the plant and in neighborhoods where the chemicals have
been detected.

The refinery reported the incident Monday to government agencies and to the
National Response Center. Officials said they did not anticipate any
significant health affects.

The release was the second incident in four days at the Chalmette Refinery.
On Friday, the plant reported a release of 10 pounds of Benzene into the
atmosphere. Initial reports blame a roof leak for the chemical release.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the incident can call a hotline
at the refinery. That number is: 504-281-1212.

Read more: http://www.wdsu.com/news/29451181/detail.html#ixzz1aZGVMKgJ