Murphy Oil's SO2 calculations deficient

Murphy Oil presented netting calculations that suggest incorrectly that the net increase in emissions from these modifications is below Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) significance thresholds and thus do not trigger New Source Review (NSR).

Murphy Oil's SO2 emissions calculations incorrect

Air Permit Objections

Public Hearing Comments

The proposed permit seeks to use gasoline tanks with fixed roof(s), to route the BenFree Unit (BFU) to an inadequate gas recovery system, and to route H2S rich vent streams to the flare. To protect public health and safety, Louisiana DEQ must require stringent application of the best available controls to achieve the lowest emissions into the air we breathe.

MRGO Wetland Restoration

Community Forum
Tuesday August 11th 6:30pm Council on Aging Building

http://mrgomustgo.org/newsletter/chalmette809.pdf

The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet has always
been a great concern to St. Bernard
Parish. Today, the MRGO is closed to
navigation, but the most critical step toward
protection remains.

Air Emission Update

May 24, 2009 -- 4,000 pounds of SO2 in 30 minutes ---
Hydrocracker automatic safety shutdown

"This level of emissions would not be expected to cause adverse offsite impact, and no allegations of impact were received from neighbors in the surrounding community." The incident is still under investigation LA EDMS 42133553



February 25, 2009 -- 35,000 pounds of heavy hydrocarbon within 5 minutes ------
FCCU Reversal


"The episode resulted in estimated emissions of 35,000 pounds of heavy hydrocarbon vapors, 5,165 pounds of catalyst, and 1,1750 pounds of particulates as smoke."LA DEQ EDMS 40817686

Whodunit?

Parish Government Officials are as perplexed as Murphy Oil and Exxon Pipeline groups as to whodunit !!

Someone, without a parish permit or a phone call to 811 Call Before Digging, entered the refinery parking lot with a backhoe, had the vehicles moved, excavated the newly installed crude oil pipeline and installed a drainage system which adversely effects residential homes.

It's a classic, as the residents are provided no clues with which to deduct the identity of the perpetrator.

green belt

August 3 2009 document on Murphy Oil Crude Oil spill refers to ""a buyout program for the establisment of a green belt around the refinery""




http://edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/doc/view.aspx?doc=6503178&ob=yes&child=yes

no noise zone

July 29, 2009

 

Mr. Wayne Landry
St. Bernard Parish Councilman-At-Large
8201 West Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette,  LA  70043

 

Dear Mr. Landry:

 

Thank you for hosting the July 22, 2009 meeting, which began discussions with Murphy Oil's Meraux refinery on a variety of issues that have an immediate and adverse impact on health, safety and quality of life.  Specifically, Murphy Oil identified known sources of past excessive noise levels and vibrations to our homes. 

 

We have an unfortunate zoning situation with heavy industry adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Despite its industrial zoning, excessive noise is out of place and unwelcome here.  No neighborhood should be subjected to such "typical refinery noises" yet these noises continue to disturb us at all times of the day and night.  Therefore, measures that are appropriate for normal industry practice are inadequate under these circumstances.  Murphy Oil must recognize the need to do more than other refineries that are properly buffered from residences. 

 

Throughout the recent past, residents have endured countless days of continuous ear-splitting noise levels or roaring noise that sounds like jet engines.  One noise source Murphy Oil identified was a steam atomizer on an over 140 foot-high flare.  Residents made numerous complaints to the refinery, yet, Murphy Oil did not repair this atomizer for a long time.  Now, Murphy Oil identified another noise source: the new low-NOx burners.  When the next excessive noise once again forces us to leave the area or become prisoners in our own homes, what plans will our local officials’ have in place?

 

These issues are serious and will not go away until the residents are truly protected with sustainable, long-term solutions. Residents must be protected to a higher standard than typical OSHA regulations, and it is our local officials’ duty to implement an enforceable compliance plan. Periodic meetings may help Murphy Oil continue to address their residential neighbors’ concerns.

 

 

Clean fuel shouldn’t cost air quality

http://www.2theadvocate.com/opinion/50413727.html