Valero Energy has reported that its oil refinery in Corpus Christi, Texas faced operational disruptions as a result of Tropical Storm Harold, leading to higher than normal emissions.
During the severe rain event associated with Tropical Storm Harold, an unexpected loss of containment occurred at oily water sump 70-V-06, resulting in air emissions that exceeded reportable quantities. This emission event began on Tuesday and continued until Wednesday, lasting approximately 26 hours.
Sumps are low spaces designed to collect liquids, which often include undesirable substances such as water or chemicals.
In response to this incident, the refinery has utilized vacuum trucks to recover the released material, and any contaminated soil will be collected and properly managed at a permitted facility.
Valero’s Corpus Christi refinery has a capacity of 293,000 barrels per day and is comprised of eastern and western plants located within close proximity to one another. These plants handle different types of crude oil. The aforementioned disruption occurred specifically at the West Plant.
For more information, please visit Valero Energy’s website.
