Newsroom
All News Releases By Date
PA EPA REPORT AVAILABLE ON JOINT INVESTIGATION OF CAUSES OF PENNZOIL REFINERY ACCIDENT
Release Date: 03/20/98
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1998
EPA REPORT AVAILABLE ON JOINT INVESTIGATION OF CAUSES OF PENNZOIL REFINERY ACCIDENT
A report issued this week by EPA identifies root causes and contributing factors of the Oct. 16, 1995 explosion and fire that occurred at the Pennzoil refinery at Rouseville, Pa. This accident resulted in five deaths, numerous injuries, public evacuation and significant plant damage. The flames ignited several tanks containing naphtha and fuel oil. EPA’s Chemical Accident Investigation Team determined that the immediate cause of the accident was the ignition of flammable vapors in two storage tanks. Other contributing factors included: inadequate vessel design, integrity and maintenance; flammable vapors were not thoroughly isolated from welding work; and equipment siting and containment was inadequate. The report can be accessed on the Internet at: https://www.epa.gov/ceppo/acc-his.html. Copies of the report also can be obtained by calling NCEPI at 1-800-490-9198 and asking for document number EPA 550-R-001.
R-31 ###
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.
