Gulf Coast Coal and Petrochemical Facilities Still Not Storm Ready

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Motiva–Norco (cont.): Air pollution total, cause of pollution: The Motiva Refinery flares
burned for many days following Hurricane Isaac. They released a total of 135 tons of pollution
including:
VOCs—27 tons
Sulfur Dioxide—16.5 tons
Carbon Monoxide—59.5 tons
Particulate Matter—2 tons
Benzene (known carcinogen)—Nearly 1 ton
Water pollution total, cause of pollution: No numbers given, though the report
acknowledges pollution. “Stormwater Treatment Facility was impacted and bypassed during
flooding 34 .”
Valero—Norco (New Sarpy)
Did refinery shut down Yes
Air pollution total, cause of pollution: All emissions were reported as within permit limits 35 .
Water pollution total, cause of pollution: None reported
Valero—Meraux
This refinery has long had a problem with water pollution during rain, leading residents to say
“cloudy with a chance of oil.” The pollution during Hurricane Isaac went into the 20 Arpent
Canal, where children play. Valero reported that the grass along this canal was stained with oil.
Did refinery shut down Yes
Air pollution total, cause of pollution: None reported
Water pollution total, cause of pollution: 47 gallons of slop oil including 7.8 pounds of
benzene. Valero reports “the root cause of this spill to be inadequate containment for the
heavy rains and high winds experienced during hurricane Isaac 36 .”