Shell plant explosion in Norco, Louisiana
The Shell plant explosion in Norco, Louisiana refers to two explosions that occurred in the community in 1973 and 1988. The incident in 1973 occurred when a sixteen-year-old, Leroy Jones, was cutting grass for Helen Washington, who was taking a nap on her porch in the Diamond community. The plant released a plume of gas. A spark from the lawnmower ignited the plume of gas and the flames that resulted engulfed Leroy Jones and Helen Washington. The second explosion occurred in 1988. An early morning explosion from the plant killed seven Shell workers, destroyed homes in the Diamond community, and released 159 million pounds (72 kt) of
Background information
Explosion of 1973
The explosion occurred on a summer day in 1973. A Shell
Explosion of 1988
At 3:37 a.m. on May 5, 1988, an explosion occurred in the catalytic cracking unit (CCU) of an oil and gas refinery. The explosion apparently was the result of corrosion of an 8-inch (200 mm) vapor line. This vapor line, under 270 pounds per square inch (1,900 kPa) pressure, ran from a 10-inch (250 mm) header that originated as the main overhead vapor line from the depropanizer column. The apparent instantaneous line failure released approximately 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg) of hydrocarbon vapor for approximately 30 seconds. A possible ignition source could have been the unit's superheater furnace. The damage pattern indicated that the explosion was probably an aerial explosion with an epicenter located in the area between the depropanizer and the CCU control room. Employees #1, #2, #4, #5, and #7 were found fatally injured inside the CCU control room as a direct result of the blast. Employee #3 was found fatally injured approximately 30 feet (9.1 m) outside the west side of the CCU control room as a direct result of the blast. Employee #6 was fatally injured while he was exiting the GO-1 South control room.
Many of the residents of the Diamond community suffer from sickness and illness associated with the oil refinery. Many residents claim that they suffer from headaches, nausea, dizziness, congestion, sore throats, and difficulty breathing on a regular basis. Residents claim that when they leave the Diamond area, their health improves. Once they return, their health begins to deteriorate again. A study was done in 1997 by Xavier University Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. The study concluded that 34% of children in the Diamond area suffer from asthma problems. One-fourth of all the women and children surveyed had to visit the hospital due to respiratory problems.[5] Residents also claim to suffer from psychological issues associated with the explosions of 1973 and 1988. Some of the residents claim that they sleep in their clothes so that they will be ready to evacuate in the case of another explosion. Residents also claim that they have flashbacks of the 1973 and 1988 explosions.
Concerned Citizens of Norco
Since the explosion of 1973 and 1988, a group called the Concerned Citizens of Norco has attempted to engage in open discussions with Shell Chemical LP. The group has tried to resolve difference with Shell regarding the Voluntary Property Purchase program, "a program designed to create greenbelt space along the fence lines of the Shell and Motiva Enterprises (Motiva) facilities in Norco, Louisiana that was offered to residents living on two of the four streets that make up the tight-knit and historic Diamond neighborhood." The discussions have resulted in Shell having a greater appreciation for the Diamond community. Both sides have also talked about the Shell and Motiva Good Neighbor Initiative, which contains programs that aim to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Norco and Diamond. Shell has created a program that consists of a Property Purchase Component and a Home Improvement Component. The Home Improvement Component gives residents of Diamond the opportunity to stay in the community and take advantage of the Good Neighbor Initiative. The component is designed to improve the lives of the citizens, help the community grow, and preserve the history of the community. The Property Purchase Component allows Diamond residents to sell their property to Shell at a fair price and leave the community. The difference between the two community of Diamond and Shell has been solved and both sides have agreed to more open discussion if the need arises. The agreement was signed into effect of June 11, 2002.[6]
Bibliography
- Bazelon, Emily. "Bad Neighbors." Legal Affairs: The Magazine at the Intersection of Law and Life May 2003: Web. 30 Nov. 2011.
- "Concerned Citizens of Norco Reach Agreement with Shell Chemical." Corpwatch: Holding Corporations Accountable. 20 June 2002. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <[1]>.
- Lerner, Steve. "Diamond: A Struggle for Environmental Justice in Louisiana's Chemical Corridor." Crisis in American Institutions. Eds. Jerome H. Skolnick, and Elliott Currie. Print.
- "Norco: Profile." Louisiana Bucket Brigade: Clean Air. Justice. Sustainability. 18 Oct. 2002. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <LA Bucket Brigade : Norco>.
- Rosen, Ruth. "Toxic Terror." Dissent MagazineCommonweal. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.
References
- ^ "Concerned Citizens of Norco Reach Agreement with Shell Chemical." Corpwatch: Holding Corporations Accountable. 20 June 2002. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=2769>.
- ^ Rosen, Ruth. "Toxic Terror." Dissent MagazineCommonweal. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.
- ^ a b Lerner, Steve. "Diamond: A Struggle for Environmental Justice in Louisiana's Chemical Corridor." Crisis in American Institutions. Eds. Jerome H. Skolnick, and Elliott Currie. Print.
- ^ "Inspection Detail | Occupational Safety and Health Administration".
- ^ "Norco: Profile." Louisiana Bucket Brigade: Clean Air. Justice. Sustainability. 18 Oct. 2002. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. "LA Bucket Brigade : Norco". Archived from the original on 2012-01-08. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ^ "Concerned Citizens of Norco Reach Agreement with Shell Chemical." Corpwatch: Holding Corporations Accountable. 20 June 2002. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=2769