EPA v. Valero Meraux-RMP GDC Incident CAFO-FY2021

Case summary

The facility had a release incident on 04/10/2020, when an operator did not properly implement the site's Safety System Bypass Procedure. When attempting to reseat a pressure safety valve (PSV). Instead of closing the upstream high-pressure valve to relieve pressure on the PSV, the downstream low-pressure valve was closed, resulting in an overpressure and subsequent release of high-pressure hydrocarbon from the downstream valve bonnet. Failure to follow the Safety System Bypass Procedure is a violation of 40 CFR 68.69(a), Operating Procedures.

Defendants (1)

• Valero Refining-Meraux, LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (4)

• VALERO REFINING - MERAUX LLC - MERAUX REFINERY

  2500 E ST BERNARD HWY, MERAUX, LA, 70075

  Registry ID: 110000448837

• VALERO REFINING - MERAUX LLC - MERAUX REFINERY

  2500 E ST BERNARD HWY, MERAUX, LA, 70075

  Registry ID: 110000448837

• VALERO REFINING - MERAUX LLC - MERAUX REFINERY

  2500 E ST BERNARD HWY, MERAUX, LA, 70075

  Registry ID: 110000448837

• VALERO REFINING - MERAUX LLC - MERAUX REFINERY

  2500 E ST BERNARD HWY, MERAUX, LA, 70075

  Registry ID: 110000448837

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause
• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Valero Meraux-RMP GDC Incident CAFO-FY2021entered 2021-04-01

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $47,357

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2021-03-30Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-04-01Final Order Issued
• 2021-04-05Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2021-04-08Air Resolved
• 2021-04-08Compliance Achieved
• 2022-06-09Enforcement Action Closed