Emergency Response Team in action in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina. This experience gave us new insights into how to respond to
emergency situations that hugely impact both the community and our
facilities simultaneously.
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ConocoPhillips reports liquid hydrocarbon spills from primary
containment that are greater than one barrel. Spills greater than
100 barrels are considered significant incidents that trigger
immediate management reporting, extensive investigation and
corrective action to mitigate recurrence.
We had two large spills that greatly increased our spill volume
from primary containment. However, the majority of the
product was captured in secondary containment and did not
reach the environment. In 2006, there were 19 significant liquid
hydrocarbon spills resulting in the release of 37,254 barrels from
primary containment, compared to 11 such spills in 2005 from
which 12,522 barrels were released.
(figs. 22 & 23)
Two of the 2006 significant spills resulted in 78 percent of
the released volume. Both were related to tank leaks that
were mostly contained. Eleven of the 2006 significant spills
occurred in the refining and marketing sector, which accounts for
95 percent of the volume released from primary containment.
Of the volume released from primary containment,
30,319 barrels, or 81 percent, were captured in secondary
containment such as tank dikes and did not reach the
environment. Of the 6,935 barrels that did reach the
environment, 3,767 barrels, or 54 percent, were recovered
during initial spill response. Longer-term remedial projects
strive to recover additional lost hydrocarbons.
In 2006, Polar Tankers, Inc. and ConocoPhillips resolved
matters relating to a spill of an estimated 1,000 gallons of
crude oil into Washington State’s Dalco Passage in Puget
Sound. The oil was purportedly from the
Polar Texas oil
tanker, which has since been decommissioned. Settlements
were reached with the Washington State Department of
Ecology, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Coast Guard and
National Pollution Funds Center for reimbursement of cleanup
costs and a civil penalty associated with the incident, which
occurred in October 2004. While there was no admission of
liability, the settlement reflects Polar Tankers, Inc.’s and
ConocoPhillips’ commitment to good corporate and
environmental stewardship.
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