St. Charles Refinery
The St. Charles refinery in Louisiana was first established in 1930. Over the years the plant has grown to become among the largest producer of oil in the state. Early on in its history, this facility was faced with a serious health issue. Products that were used all over the plant were made out of a natural material called asbestos, and that was where the problem began. Asbestos was considered to be a valuable resource for years, but upon further investigation scientists were able to determine that it is actually a toxic material. Particles of asbestos can float freely in the air, where they can be unknowingly inhaled by anyone who gets close enough. Once inhaled, the asbestos can do a great deal of internal damage and result in mesothelioma cancer.
As of 2003, Valero Energy Corporation purchased the plant and took over all operations. Since then, Valero has put in a great deal of money to finalize an expansion and plant upgrade program that totaled over $3 billion. The improvements on the safety features and emission controls have led the plant to earn the designation as a Star Site by the Occupational Safety and Health Association's (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program. This is given in recognition of the plant's high safety standards and pollution controls. At its current capacity, the St. Charles plant is able to produce up to 260,000 barrels of crude oil on a daily basis.
Although Valero has been recognized as an environmentally friendly corporation, they did have a run in with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2005. A division of the EPA known as the Clean Air Task Force investigated the St. Charles plant for allowing unacceptable levels of pollution to be produced within the facility. Valero executives agreed to a settlement with the EPA, and paid millions to implement controls to reduce the amount of pollution coming from the plant. They also paid $5.5 million for use in environmental projects throughout the state of Louisiana, and money towards improving the level of emissions in company vehicles.
Valero faced more trouble in May of 2006 when a fire broke out inside a piece of equipment called a diesel hydrotreater. This was used to produce diesel fuel with low levels of sulfur, and the fire completely halted production temporarily. Fire fighting crews were able to put out the blaze before it was able to spread, and no one was injured during the incident.
The future of the St. Charles looks bright as the plant is poised to improve methods and quantities of production. Strong safety guidelines have been implemented for the benefit of employees, the local community and the environment. Long term refinery employees are still advised to contact their doctors, however, to explain the possibility that they were exposed to asbestos. It can take many years for indications of the diseases asbestos causes to manifest themselves, so every person who has worked at the plant since asbestos products were in use may be in danger.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
