These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 020-97 |
|---|---|
| INSUM #: | One |
| Occurence Date: | 1 June, 1997 |
| Location: | Paradis, LA |
| Source: | Heater Treater |
| Material: | Crude Oil |
| Severity: | Major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 2,000 Barrels |
| Quantity in Water: | 500 - 1,000 Barrels |
| Body of Water Affected: | Marshy Area > Bayou Petit |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA Region VI |
SITUATION: On Sunday June 01, 1997, a major spill occurred in a marshy area at the Texaco Production Paradis Facility in Paradis, LA. EPA-OERR reports that the release was caused by a stuck water diversion valve on a heat treater diverting produced water to oil storage tanks. As a result of the diversion, approximately 2,000 barrels of crude oil were displaced into a secondary containment basin. 500 - 1000 barrels of oil migrated from the containment to a marshy area. No wildlife or sensitive freshwater vegetation impacts have been reported so far. The system has been shut in and vacuum trucks along with absorbent and containment booms are being used to clean the marshy area. 800 barrels in the containment area and 70 barrels in the marshy area have been recovered. Air monitoring has shown elevated levels of benzene around the tank battery resulting in an established exclusion zone which requires full face respirators until oil spill recovery operations are completed. EPA Region VI dispatched an On-Scene Coordinator and Superfund Technical Assistance and Response Team contractor to the site to monitor recovery operations. CASE PENDS.