Ethylene oxide release during explosion at Louisiana plant

On July 14, 2023, a significant explosion occurred at the Dow Louisiana Operations’ Glycol II plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana, resulting in the release of over 31,000 pounds of ethylene oxide (EtO), a known carcinogen. The incident caused multiple subsequent explosions and fires, leading to substantial property damage and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

The explosion happened around 9:15 p.m. Central Time and continued to affect the plant through a series of fires that were finally extinguished by the early morning of July 16. Following the explosion, local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order which was lifted after ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) commenced an investigation on April 4, 2024, after clearing a backlog of previous reports. Preliminary findings have identified several key areas of concern: high vibration in a reflux pump, upsets in the EtO finishing process, multiple explosions and fires, and the release of a significant quantity of EtO. These factors are being closely examined to determine their root causes and prevent future incidents.

The incident at Dow’s plant in Plaquemine has raised significant safety and environmental concerns. Ethylene oxide is highly flammable and carcinogenic, posing serious risks to both workers and nearby residents. The CSB’s investigation will focus on emergency pressure-relief systems, reactive chemical hazards, and maintenance procedures.

Dow has been proactive in responding to the incident. The company has conducted a root cause investigation, completed by February 2024, and has since implemented corrective actions, including enhancing vessel closure work practices and developing technological solutions to improve safety and process integrity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are also involved in scrutinising the incident. The EPA identified 19 areas of concern related to safety, training, planning, and site design. These concerns include the proximity of emergency release devices, which could potentially expose workers and the public to hazardous chemicals during an incident. Dow is committed to addressing these issues, collaborating with regulatory bodies, and enhancing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The ongoing investigation by the CSB, alongside the efforts of Dow and other regulatory agencies, aims to uncover the root causes of the explosion and release of ethylene oxide at the Plaquemine plant. The findings and subsequent recommendations will be crucial in strengthening safety protocols across the sector.