Opperations Back To Normal At Chalmette RefineryOfficials – Air Quality Being Monitored around plant, on WestbankCHALMETTE, La. Oct 11, 2011 —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 ahotline at the refinery. That number is: 504-281-1212.
