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Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Air Screening Data - ASPECT
Test Results
Following Hurricane Katrina, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, EPA's monitoring airplane ASPECT (Airborne Spectral imagery of Environmental Contaminants Technology) flew 15 passes to obtain environmental screening data. Following Hurricane Rita, an additional 18 passes were flown.
ASPECT is an emergency response tool mounted in an aircraft that provides data to assess immediate environmental hazards to the responders on the ground. Standard products generated during an ASPECT flight mission include aerial photographs, infrared imagery (IR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral analyses, and standard format video. All qualitative and quantitative results generated from ASPECT are not validated and are used strictly for screening purposes. More about the ASPECT airplane.
ASPECT Chemicals
Real-time: acetone, ammonia, methanol, ethanol, sulfur hexafluoride, and methyl ethyl ketone.
Manual Review: n-butyl acetate, ethylene oxide, formic acid, isopropanol, methyl tert-butyl ether, methyl chloride, nitric acid, phosgene, trichloroethylene, 1,3-butadiene, ethylene, vinyl chloride, ozone, and triethylphosphate.
Southern Scrap Recycling (1/13/06)
Paris Street Landfill Fire Data (1/3/06)
Hurricane Rita Data (9/24/05 - onward)
Hurricane Katrina Data (8/30-9/9)
Southern Scrap Recycling
January 13, 2006
The purpose of the flights conducted on January 13, 2006 was to collect airborne chemical data pertaining to a fire at the Southern Scrap recycling facility located near New Orleans, LA. Several airborne data runs were conducted with subsequent data analysis. This assessment was conducted to generate a broad view of the situation and to provide further input into the overall response action plan.
Chemicals detected during these flights include 1,3-butadiene, and trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11). The levels of 1,3-butadiene detected were below EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs), and the levels of trichlorofluoromethane detected were below the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) health guidance value for short-term (< 24 hour) exposures.
Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.
Run |
Date/Time |
Facility Description |
Mission |
Purpose |
Results and Actions |
|
1 |
13 Jan 2006 10:25:00 |
N/A |
System Test |
System Test |
All Systems Passed |
|
2 |
13 Jan 2006 10:53:05 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9744 Long -89.9977 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: White Plume of Smoke and Fire Observed |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scan |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections |
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|
3 |
13 Jan 2006 10:57:08 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9850 Long -90.0140 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: White Plume of Smoke Observed |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image Collected: Thermal Signature of Fire Detected No Plumes Detected |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scan |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: 1,3-butadiene = 1 ppm |
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|
4 |
13 Jan 2006 10:59:54 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9766 Long -89.9875 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: White Plume of Smoke Observed |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image collected: No Plumes Observed |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scans |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections |
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|
5 |
13 Jan 2006 11:03:11 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9500 Long -89.9736 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: No Plumes Observed |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image collected: No Plumes Observed |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scans |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections |
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|
6 |
13 Jan 2006 11:08:26 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9869 Long -90.0143 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: Overhead Shot of Fire |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image collected: Thermal Signature of the Fire Detected No Plumes Detected |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scans |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne Scan: No Detections Ground Analysis: Trichlorofluoromethane = 1 ppm |
|||
|
7 |
13 Jan 2006 11:12:28 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9831 Long -90.0078 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: White Plume of Smoke Observed |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image collected: Thermal Signature of the Fire Detected No Plumes Detected |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scans |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections |
|||
|
8 |
13 Jan 2006 11:16:32 |
Southern Scrap Fire Lat 29.9826 Long -90.0071 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: Overhead Shot of Fire |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release |
1 IR Image collected: Thermal Signature of the Fire Detected Steam Plume Detected |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scans |
Air Scan Conducted to Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge |
Airborne Scan: No Detections Ground Analysis: Trichlorofluoromethane = 1 ppm |
Paris Street Landfill Fire Data
The purpose of Flight 1, conducted on January 3, 2006, was to collect airborne chemical data pertaining to the Paris Street landfill fire in St. Bernard, Louisiana. Several airborne data runs were conducted to generate a broad view of the situation and provide further input into the overall response action plan. During this run, isobutylene was detected both within the smoke plume resulting from the landfill fire and in the air upwind from the fire. The levels detected were below EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs) for short-term health effects. The levels detected were below the instrument's ability to detect accurately the chemical and therefore a definitive statement about its risk cannot be made. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.
Run |
Date/Time |
Run Position |
Mission |
Purpose |
Results and Actions |
1 |
03 Jan 2006 10:06 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: Burning Debris and Smoke Noted |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected |
|||
Mission C: Air scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
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2 |
03 Jan 2006 10:09 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: Light Smoke Plume Observed Drifting to the Southwest |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Image Not Processed |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
|||
3 |
03 Jan 2006 10:11 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: Light Smoke Plume Observed Drifting to the Southwest |
Mission B: FTIR Collection: |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Isobutylene 1ppm |
|||
4 |
03 Jan 2006 10:14 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response IC |
2 Photos obtained: Light Smoke Plume Observed Drifting to the Southwest |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Image Not Processed |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene 2 ppm |
|||
5 |
03 Jan 2006 10:17 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: No observed smoke |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Image Not Processed |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: No detections |
|||
6 |
03 Jan 2006 10:20 |
URG Landfill Lat 29.9694 Long -89.9509 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By EPA Response Incident Command |
2 Photos obtained: No observed smoke |
Mission B: FTIR Collection |
FTIR Data: Replicate of Run 5 |
1 IR Image Collected: Image Not Processed |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne Analysis: No detections. Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1 ppm |
Hurricane Rita ASPECT Air Screening Data
ASPECT is flying several missions to obtain environmental screening data in response to Rita.
Flight 5 - September 27
Flight 4 - September 26
Flight 3 - September 25
Flight 2 - September 25
Flight 1 - September 24
Initial flights
Flight 5 - September 27
The purpose of Flight 5 conducted on September 27 was to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Orange and Angelton, TX. Several airborne data runs were conducted to generate a broad view of the situation and provide input to the overall response action plan. During these runs, trace levels of several chemicals were detected. Most of the levels were below Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Minimal Risk Levels and EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs) for short-term health effects. However, glycol (ethylene glycol) and tetrachloroethylene levels appeared elevated near one facility northeast of Angleton, TX (See Runs # 12 and 15). The levels, however, were below the instrument's ability to measure the chemicals accurately; therefore, a definitive statement about risk cannot be made. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.
Run |
Date/Time
|
Run Position |
Mission |
Purpose |
Results and Actions |
1 |
27 Sept/11:52:32 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05672 Long -93.75042 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: No damage or flooding noted to facility structures. |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected |
|||
Mission C: Air scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm Isoprene < 1ppm |
|||
2 |
27 Sept/11:56:02 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05195 Long -93.74365 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: No damage noted to facility. Some standing water in tank berms. |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
|||
3 |
26 Sept/12: 00:00 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.06001 Long -93.74278 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
No Photos obtained. |
Mission B: FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 2 |
FTIR Data: Replicate of Run 2 |
No IR imaged Collected: |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm Methanol = 2 ppm |
|||
4 |
27 Sept/12: 04:49 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05037 Long -93.76483 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: Roof damage noted on buildings. Possible debris in wooded area |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene <1 ppm |
|||
5 |
27 Sept/12: 08:17 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south Of Orange, TX. Lat 30.047639 Long -93.76518 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: Minor roof damage to facility structure. |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne and ground analysis: No detections |
|||
6 |
27 Sept/12: 11:00 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX.610 Lat 30.05203 Long -93.76211 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: Refinery storage tanks show no damage. Some standing water in secondary containment. |
Mission B: FTIR Collection |
FTIR Data: Replicate of Run 5 |
No IR Image Collected: |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne Analysis: No detections. Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
|||
7 |
27 Sept/12: 20:44 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05604 Long -93.78627 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 photos collected: No damage noted. Some standing water. |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected. No plumes detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
|||
8 |
27 Sept/12:24:54 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05606 Long -93.78705 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 photos collected: No facility damage evident. |
Mission B: FTIR Collection |
Only FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected. No plumes detected. |
|||
|
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm |
|||
9 |
27 Sept/12:29:00 |
Orange, TX Complex 2 miles south of Orange, TX. Lat 30.05453 Long -93.79014 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
No2 Photos obtained. |
Mission B: FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 8 |
FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
No IR Image Collected: |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne and ground analysis: No detections |
|||
10 |
27 Sept/13: 10:03 |
LA coast Oil facility 8 miles west of Holly Beach, LA Lat 29.76913 Long -93.64233 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: Pipe works show flooding. |
Mission B: IR Collection |
IR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plume detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan Not conducted |
|
|
|||
11 |
27 Sept/13:55:37 |
Chocolate Bayou, TX Facility located 8 miles northeast of Angleton, TX Lat 29.25758 Long -95.20984 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
No Photos obtained: |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Isobutylene = 1 ppm |
|||
12 |
27 Sept/13:59:33 |
Chocolate Bayou, TX Facility located 8 miles northeast of Angleton, TX Lat 29.25288 Long -95.20915 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 photos collected: No facility damage evident. |
|
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Ethylene < 1 ppm Isobutylene < 1 ppm Glycol < 1 ppm |
|||
13 |
27 Sept/14: 03:00 |
Chocolate Bayou, TX Facility located 8 miles northeast of Angleton, TX Lat 29.26644 Long -93.20150 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
No Photos obtained: |
Mission B: FTIR Collection |
FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
No IR Image Collected: |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections. Ground analysis: Isobutylene < 1 ppm |
|||
14 |
27 Sept/14: 08:54 |
Chocolate Bayou, TX Facility located 8 miles northeast of Angleton, TX Lat 29.23955 Long -95.19147 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: No facility damage evident. |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1 ppm Ethylene = 2 ppm |
|||
15 |
27 Sept/14: 12:49 |
Chocolate Bayou, TX Facility located 8 miles northeast of Angleton, TX Lat 29.23585 Long -95.18895 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data Requested By R6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos obtained: No damage to facility units observed. |
Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Plumes detected |
|||
Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges |
Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Tetrachloroethylene < 1ppm Trichloroflouromethane < 1 ppm |
Flight 4 - September 26
The purpose of flight 4, on September 26, was to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Lake Charles, LA. Trace levels of chemicals were detected. Most of the chemicals have not exceeded the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Minimal Risk Levels or EPA's Acute Exposure Guidance Levels (AEGLs) for short-term health effects. Only ethylene and glycol appeared elevated (see Runs # 1, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 26, 29, 30). However, the levels detected were below the instrument's ability to detect accurately the chemical and therefore a definitive statement about its risk cannot be made. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used only for screening purposes, general conclusions about the quality of the air should not be drawn.
| Run | Date/Time | Facility Description and Run Position | Mission | Purpose | Results and Actions |
| 1 | 26 Sept/10:30:07 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17525 Long -93.32044 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Damage to refinery storage tanks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm Ethylene = 1ppm | |||
| 2 | 26 sept/10:38:31 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17548 Long -93.33516 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No damage noted to storage refinery storage tanks |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm 1,3-Butadiene < 1ppm | |||
| 3 | 26 sept/10:42:02 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17772 Long -93.31887 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained. Damage to refinery storage tanks. Refinery flare is in operation. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 2 | IR/FTIR Data: Replicate of Run 2 | 1 IR imaged Collected: Smoke/steam plumes | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Isobutylene = 2ppm | |||
| 4 | 26 sept/10:45:13 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.11782 Long -93.33437 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Refinery tank farm shows no apparent damage |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No detections | |||
| 5 | 26 sept/10:48:31 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.18142 Long -93.32023 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No apparent damage to refinery units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Minor plumes from process units detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm Diethyl Ether = 2ppm | |||
| 6 | 26 sept/10:51:52 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.18128 Long -93.33610 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Refinery storage tanks show no damage. Some standing water in secondary containment. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No detections. Ground Analysis: Ethylene < 1ppm Isobutylene < 1ppm | |||
| 7 | 26 sept/10:55:00 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.18683 Long -93.31444 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Only Collection | Only FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR Image Collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm | |||
| 8 | 26 sept/10:59:00 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17389 Long -93.31825 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | Only FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR Image Collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 9 | 26 sept/11:05:42 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17522 Long -93.35645 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage to refinery facilities. Visible smoke from several stacks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 8 | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flares detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm | |||
| 10 | 26 sept/11:08:02 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.17816 Long -93.35583 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Indications of facility startup. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flares detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 11 | 26 sept/11:10:30 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.18075 Long -93.35313 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Smoke form flare stacks evident. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flares detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 12 | 26 sept/11:14:00 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 2 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.18522 Long -93.34814 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR Images Collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 13 | 26 sept/11:19:38 | Lake Charles, LA Industrial facility complex located 6 miles southwest of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.16016 Long -93.33363 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No damage to refinery tanks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 14 | 26 sept/11:24:56 | Lake Charles, LA Tank-farm complex located 10 miles south of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.11397 Long -93.28608 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage to refinery tanks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flare and process plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Glycol < 1ppm | |||
| 15 | 26 sept/11:31:34 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located in central Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.23438 Long -93.26182 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Roof damage to commercial buildings |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Ethylene < 1ppm 1,3 Butadiene < 1 ppm | |||
| 16 | 26 sept/11:36:05 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located in central Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.24300 Long -93.25984 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No damage to refinery storage tanks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Methanol < 1ppm Glycol < 1ppm | |||
| 17 | 26 sept/11:39:02 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located in central Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.24428 Long -93.27281 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage to refinery storage tanks |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flare detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Ethylene < 1ppm Glycol < 1ppm | |||
| 18 | 26 sept/11:43:06 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 1 mile north of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.25168 Long -93.27716 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage to refinery storage tanks. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene = 2ppm | |||
| 19 | 26 sept/11:45:41 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 1 mile north of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.25439 Long -93.27848 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Smoke of refinery flare. Minor roof damage to refinery structures. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Refinery flare detected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene < 1ppm 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm | |||
| 20 | 26 sept/11:51:00 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 1 mile north of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.23036 Long -93.24944 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR Images Collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 21 | 26 sept/11:58:000 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 1 mile north of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.16214 Long -93.32861 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR image collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm Methanol < 1ppm | |||
| 22 | 26 sept/12:00:00 | Lake Charles, LA Refinery complex located 1 mile north of Lake Charles, LA Lat 30.11539 Long -93.29761 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 23 | 26 sept/11:22:54 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07183 Long -94.05927 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Refinery units appear undamaged. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: 5 refinery flares detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 24 | 26 sept/12:25:19 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07471 Long -94.06940 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Refinery tank farm appears undamaged. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: 4 refinery flares detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 25 | 26 sept/12:27:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.17450 Long -94.05839 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 26 | 26 sept/12:29:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.06831 Long -94.05614 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Glycol < 1ppm | |||
| 27 | 26 sept/12:32:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07572 Long -94.05914 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR image collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 28 | 26 sept/12:35:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07653 Long -94.07472 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No detections | |||
| 29 | 26 sept/12:38:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07644 Long -94.06397 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm Ethylene < 1ppm | |||
| 30 | 26 sept/12:41:00 | Beaumont, TX Refinery located 1 mile east of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.07636 Long -94.07194 | Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | No photos obtained. |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection | FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | No IR images collected. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: 1,3 Butadiene < 1ppm Ethylene < 1ppm Isobutylene < 1ppm |
Flight 3 - September 25
The purpose of flight 3, on September 25, was to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Freeport, TX. Sampling efforts resulted in chemicals detected at or below the instrument's ability to accurately detect the chemicals and therefore these results do not demonstrate an immediate health effect to the public. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used for screening purposes, general conclusions should not be made based on this snapshot of data.
| Run | Date/Time | Facility Description and Run Position | Mission | Purpose | Results and Actions |
| 1 | 25 Sept/15:08:59 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles east of Freeport, TX Lat 29.94634 Long -95.30796 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data Requested by Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Some standing water in a tank farm. No visible damage. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No detections | |||
| 2 | 25 Sept/15:12:30 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles east of Freeport, TX Lat 28.95134 Long -95.30965 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: Some standing water in process unit. No visible damage |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image collected: No plumes Detected |
|||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Ethyl Acrylate <1 ppm (trace detection) | |||
| 3 | 25 Sept/15:15:00 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles east of Freeport, TX |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
No Photos Obtained | |
| Mission B: FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 2 |
IR/FTIR Data Replicate of Run 2 |
No IR imaged Collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene = 1 ppm (trace detection) | |||
| 4 | 25 Sept/15:21:38 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.98798 Long -95.33576 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage or standing water |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Steam plumes noted in IR image | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 5 | 25 Sept/15:25:17 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.98045 Long -95.33923 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No visible damage or standing water |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne analysis: No detections Ground Analysis: Isobutylene = 1 ppm (trace detection) | |||
| 6 | 25 Sept/15:28:00 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.98045 Long -95.33923 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | No Photos Obtained | |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 5 | IR/FTIR Data Replicate of Run 5 |
No IR Image Collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 7 | 25 Sept/15:33:16 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3.5 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.99922 Long -95.35709 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No damage or flooding noted to rail yard. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image collected: Possible Steam Plume | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Ethyl Acrylate < 1 ppm (trace detection) | |||
| 8 | 25 Sept/15:36:58 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3.5 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.99938 Long -95.35521 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos obtained: No damage or flooding noted to rail yard. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Plume Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Isobutanol = 2 ppm | |||
| 9 | 25 Sept/15:40:00 | Freeport , TX Industrial complex located 3.5 miles north of Freeport, TX Lat 28.99938 Long -95.35521 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | No Photos Obtained | |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection: Replicate of Run 8 | FTIR Data: Replicate of Run 8 | No IR Image Collected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis : No Detections |
Flight 2 - September 25
The purpose of flight 2, conducted on September 25, was to assess chemical and petroleum facilities located near Beaumont, TX. Sampling efforts resulted in chemicals detected at or below the instrument's ability to accurately detect the chemicals and therefore these results do not demonstrate an immediate health effect to the public. Since this is a dynamic situation, and this is non-validated data used for screening purposes, general conclusions should not be made based on this snapshot of data.
| Run | Date/Time | Facility Description and Run Position | Mission | Purpose | Results and Actions |
| 1 | 25 Sept/10:28:54 | N/A | System Test | System Test | All Systems Passed |
| 2 | 25 Sept/10:33:49 | Beaumont, TX Northern portion of large facility located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.01703 Long -94.02958 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Obscured by Clouds |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image collected: No plumes Detected |
|||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 3 | 25 Sept/10:08:34 | Beaumont, TX Northern portion of large facility located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.021060 Long -94.026740 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Some Cloud Cover but roof damage noted to facility buildings |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image collected: Plume Detected on Side of Image |
|||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Ethylene = Trace (1 ppm) Actions: Information forwarded to Regional Response Center. This location was the site of the ammonia release on 24 Sept. | |||
| 4 | 25 Sept/10:11:47 | Beaumont, TX Northern portion of large facility located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.020339 Long -94.02600 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos No visible damage or flooding |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image collected: Plume Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: Ammonia Ground Analysis: Ammonia = 2 ppm Actions: Information forwarded to Regional Response Center. This location was the site of the ammonia release on 24 Sept. | |||
| 5 | 25 Sept/10:26:04 | Beaumont, TX Southern portion of large refinery located east of town. Lat 30.04587 Long -94.069652 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos No visible damage or flooding to refinery units |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Glycol < 1 ppm | |||
| 6 | 25 Sept/10:28:54 | Beaumont, TX Southern portion of large refinery located east of town. Lat 30.042792 Long -94.068590 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Evidence of Heavy Rain and standing water in refinery units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 7 | 25 Sept/10:33:49 | Beaumont, TX Eastern portion of large refinery located east of town. Lat 30.061511 Long -94.040890 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Some Flooding and damage to refinery process units and cooling towers. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to General Recon |
1 IR Image collected: No Plume Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 8 | 25 Sept/10:37:11 | Beaumont, TX Eastern portion of large refinery located east of town. Lat 30.05933 Long -94.038483 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Some roof damage to refinery buildings. Minimal flooding to refinery process units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Glycol <1 ppm | |||
| 9 | 25 Sept/10:40:29 | Beaumont, TX Central portion of a large refinery located east of town. Lat 30.058789 Long -94.055770 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos No visible damage or flooding to refinery units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis : No Detections | |||
| 10 | 25 Sept/10:44:12 | Beaumont, TX Northern portion of a large refinery located east of town |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Refinery flares observed to be operating. No visible damage to refinery process units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: Flare Observed in IR image | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Analysis: Methanol Ground Analysis: Methanol = 2 ppm Actions: Methanol level and position reported to Region 6 Regional Response Center | |||
| 11 | 25 Sept/10:47:50 | Beaumont, TX Northern portion of large refinery located east of town. |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Obscured by cloud cover |
| Mission B: IR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image Collected: Possible plume detected from flare | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 12 | 25 Sept/10:56:45 | Beaumont, TX Central portion of a large refinery located east of town. |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos No visible damage or flooding to refinery units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | Replicate of Run 9 IR/FTIR Data collected to document
general recon |
1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and ground analysis: No Detections | |||
| 13 | 25 Sept/10:59:30 | Beaumont, TX Central portion of a large refinery located east of town. |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos No visible damage to refinery process units. Minor flooding noted in refinery process areas |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | Replicate of Run 9 IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image Collected: No Plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detection |
Flight 1 - September 24
The purpose of flight 1, conducted on September 24, was to respond to a reported chemical release at a refinery on the southwest side of Port Arthur,TX. During the run, ASPECT moved North to Beaumont, TX to assess facilities in the area. Sampling efforts resulted in chemicals detected at or below the instrument’s ability to accurately detect the chemical and should not cause an immediate health effect to the public.
| Run | Date/Time | Facility Description and Run Position | Mission | Purpose | Results and Actions |
| 1 | 24 Sept/17:00:00 | N/A | System Test | System Test | All Systems Passed |
| 2 | 24 Sept/17:07:52 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.86697 Long -93.966780 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Photos Requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Flooding and some sheens |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected. No observed plumes |
|||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 3 | 24 Sept/17:11:58 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.857461 Long -93.966780 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Photos Requested by Region 6 Incident Managemebt Team and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Partial Flooding of refinery units with some visible petroleum sheens |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected. No plumes observed Flare Observed |
|||
| Mission C: Air Scan |
Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 4 | 24 Sept/17:15:29 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.857461 Long -93.96591 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos |
Photos Requested by Region 6 IMT and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Partial Flooding of refinery units with some visible peroleum sheens |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No observed plumes | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 5 | 24 Sept/17:19:22 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.85451 Long -93.974168 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 IMT and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Moderate Flooding of refinery units. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No observed plumes | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 6 | 24 Sept/17:26:30 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.86.0851 Long -93.962065 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 IMT and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Moderate Flooding of refinery units. Minor visible petroleum sheens. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No plumes Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Ground Analysis: Ethylene Glycol Trace < 2ppm | |||
| 7 | 24 Sept/17:31:29 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.851738 Long -93.970227 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 IMT and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Possible tank leak in process unit with some petroleum sheen. Moderate Flooding of the process unit. |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No Plume Detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 8 | 24 Sept/17:35:23 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.85740 Long -93.95623 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 IMT and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Moderate Flooding of process units |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No observed plumes | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections | |||
| 9 | 24 Sept/17:45 | Bad Flight-line Alignment Run Aborted | No data collected | No collected data | |
| 10 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.830596 Long -93.959652 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photo Roof Damage to refinery buildings | |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected No observed plumes Flare Observed in IR | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Air Scan Conducted Estimate Possible Chemical Discharge | Airborne Analysis: No Detections Ground Analysis: Glycol = Trace (< 1 ppm) | |||
| 11 | 24 Sept/17:55:29 | Port Arthur, TX Large refinery located on the southwest part of town Lat 29.828871 Long -93.960852 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team and Rapid Needs Assessment due to Possible Discharge Report |
2 Photos Minimal Damage to refinery buildings |
| Mission B: IR Collection; No FTIR Operated |
IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document possible release. |
1 IR Image collected. No Observed Plumes | |||
| 12 | 24 Sept/18:09:03 | Beaumont, TX Northern area of large facility. The facility is located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.02061 Long -94.02607 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Minimal Damage to facility process. Limited Flooding observed in photos |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Requested to Document General Recon |
1 IR Image collected Plume Detected in Ammonia Channels | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Plume appears to be releasing from piping next to a tank. Airborne Scan: No Detections Ground Analysis: Ammonia <5ppm Actions: Info Relayed to Region 6 RRC. Contact made with facility and Release Secured | |||
| 13 | 24 Sept/18:12:29 | Beaumont, TX Northern area of large facility. The facility is located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.018436 Long -94.02521 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos confirm observations made on Run 12 |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | Replicate of Run 12 | 1 IR Image collected: Confirmation of Plume observed on Run 12 | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Confirmation of Ammonia Detection on Run 12 | ||||
| 14 | 24 Sept/18:15:54 | Beaumont, TX Small facility located 3.5 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.004353 Long -94.023153 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos 2 Possible leaks noted on storage tanks. Visible white plumes were observed |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image collected: 2 Plumes detected based on thermal analysis | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne Scan: No Detections Ground Analysis: No Detection Possible Cryogenic Discharge confirmed through thermal analysis. Action: Info relayed to Region 6 RRC. Company contacted with confirmation of Cryogenic Oxygen and Nitrogen Stored onsite. | |||
| 15 | 24 Sept/18:20:55 | Beaumont, TX Small facility located 3.5 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.003601 Long -94.022478 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Confirmation of Run 14 |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | Replicate of Run 14 | 1 IR Image collected: 2 Plumes detected | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | Airborne and Ground Analysis the Same as Run 12 | ||||
| 16 | 24 Sept/18:21:56 | Beaumont, TX Northern area of large facility located 3miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.017545 Long -94.027515 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Minimal Damage to facility process. Limited Flooding observed in photos |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTIR Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image collected Plume Detected in Ammonia Channels. Plume appears to be releasing from piping next to a tank. | |||
| Mission C: Air Scan | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Airborne and Ground Analysis the Same as Run 12 | |||
| 17 | 24 Sept/18:24:47 | Beaumont, TX Northern area of large facility located 3miles southeast of Beaumont, TX Lat 30.011657 Long -94.025119 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Data requested By Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment | 2 Photos Minimal Damage to facility process. Flooding observed in photos |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/Data Collected to Document General Recon | 1 IR Image collected Plume Detected in Plume Channels | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Potential Chemical Discharges | Plume appears to be releasing from piping next to a tank. Airborne Scan and Ground Analysisthe Same as Run 12 | |||
| 18 | 24 Sept/18:29:50 | Beaumont, TX Large facility located 3 miles southeast of Beaumont, TX. Area of interest appears to be a marine loading dock. Lat 30.01263 Long -93.99227 |
Mission A: Aerial Photos | Photos Requested by Region 6 Rapid Needs Assessment |
2 Photos Oil Discharge Noted from Dock Area |
| Mission B: IR/FTIR Collection | IR/FTR Data Requested by Region 6 Rapids Needs Assessment | 1 IR Image collected Oil Discharge Observed in IR Image | |||
| Mission C: Air Scans | General Assessment of Discharges from Chemical Facilities | Airborne and Ground Analysis: No Detections |
Initial flights
Hurricane Katrina ASPECT Air Screening Data
As of September 11, 2005, all chemicals ASPECT scans for were detected at levels in the air below the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDRs) Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) and EPA’s Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLS), with two exceptions (see Flight Numbers 12 & 14). Ethylene glycol and chloroacetic acid were detected at elevated levels but, below the instrument’s ability to accurately detect the chemicals. At the levels detected, the chemicals are not reasonably anticipated to cause an immediate health effect to the public.
The detection of chloroacetic acid was reported to EPA responders on the ground. The responders located the source, a 55-gallon drum containing 4 inches of chloroacetic acid. The drum was secured by EPA response personnel.
Flight/ Date |
Position |
Flight Mission |
Mission Purpose |
Mission/ |
Data/ |
1 30 Aug |
Baton Rouge Toward New Orleans Mississippi River Recon Terminated at White Castle |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -Infra Red/ Fourie Transform Infra Red (IR/FTIR) Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 (Region 6) Regional Response Center (Regional Response Center) and lead On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) (Stationed in Baton Rouge) of general hurricane damage IR/FTIR Data requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center and lead OSC General assessment of potential discharges from chemical facilities in zone of interest. |
22 photos. Moderate to Heavy storm/flood damage noted. 4 runs Airborne Scan |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
2 30 Aug |
New Orleans to Delta Recon White Castle on to Port Sulfur and the surrounding oil facilities Fire at: Lat 29.951 Long -89.971 |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center and lead OSC. Continuation of general damage assessment IR/FTIR Data requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center and lead OSC Continuation of chemical/oil discharge assessment. Fire in New Orleans imaged and scanned. |
46 photos. Extensive storm/flooding damage noted. Many oil releases 6 runs 6 runs |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
3 31 Aug |
New Orleans to Port Sulfur Recon |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center. Continuation of general damage assessment IR/FTIR data requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center. Burning gas well imaged. Continuation of chemical/oil discharge assessment. |
42 photos. Extensive storm damage noted. Many oil discharges. 10 runs Gas well fire imaged 10 runs |
Nothing Detected |
4 1 Sept |
LA/MS line to Pascagoula Coastal Survey |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 4 Regional Response Center. Areas of Focus included refineries near Pascagoula, MS IR/FTIR data requested by Region 4 Regional Response Center. Continuation of Chemical/oil discharge assessment |
37 photos. Extensive damage noted. Some oil sheens noted. 3 runs 3 runs |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
5 1 Sept |
Delta Recon Of Port Sulfur and Eastern Delta Coast |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center. Areas of focus included Breton Sound and Chandeleur Islands IR/FTIR data requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center Continuation of chemical/oil discharge assessment |
40 photos. Extensive damage noted. Offshore discharges noted. 2 runs 2 runs |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
6 2 Sept |
New Orleans Waterfront Fire Lat 29.962 Long -90.047 |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Aircraft dispatched to New Orleans fire by Region 6 Regional Response Center IR/FTIR data requested of fire and plume by Region 6 Regional Response Center Chemical air scans conducted of fire at the request of Region 6 Regional Response Center |
12 photos. Aerial Documentation of Fire 3 runs Airborne scan: Ground Spectral Analysis: |
4 ppm Methanol 2-5 ppm Isobutylene 1 ppm Freon (R-22) |
7 3 Sept |
New Orleans Waterfront Fires Fire 1 Lat 29.962 Long -90.047 Fire 2 Lat 29.966 Long -90.004 |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: -Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center IR/FTIR data requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center Chemical air scan conducted of fires at the request of Region 6 Regional Response Center |
10 photos. Aerial documentation of Fires 5 runs IR images of Fires Airborne Scan: Ground Spectral Analysis |
Fire 1 1-2 ppm Isobutylene 1-2 ppm Isobutanol Fire 2 Nothing Detected |
8 3 Sept |
Pascagoula to Mobile Coastal Survey |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 4 Regional Response Center. Continuation of Coastal damage assessment survey IR/FTIR data requested by Region 4 Regional Response Center Continuation of chemical/oil discharge assessment. |
40 photos. Some flooding noted near Pascagoula, less damage near Mobile. 3 runs |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
9 4 Sept |
Murphy Oil Spill
Fire Lat 29.962 Long -90.047
|
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Regional Response Center to assess oil spill, Photos of Waterfront fire remnant taken IR/FTIR data collected at the request of Region 6 Regional Response Center Chemical scans conducted of the waterfront fire remnant. |
11 photos. Oil discharge noted on facility and neighboring areas 6 runs. IR imagery used to document oil discharge. 6 runs. Airborne scans: Ground spectral analysis of fire: |
Nothing Detected 1-2 ppm Isobutylene |
10 4 Sept |
Murphy Oil Recon |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos |
Additional photo of Murphy Oil Spill collected at the Request of Region 6 Incident Management Team |
9 Photos Additional aerial documentation of discharged oil. |
|
11 5 Sept |
New Orleans Industrial Sites |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team of industrial sites. IR/FTIR data collected at the request of Region 6 Incident Management Team Air scans collected at the request of Region 6 Incident Management Team |
42 Photos. Photos of industrial sites showing flooding. 15 runs 15 runs Airborne scans: |
Nothing Detected Nothing Detected |
12 6 Sept |
New Orleans Rail Yards And Fires
Fire 1 Lat 29.962 Long -90.752 Fire 2 Lat 20.931 Long -90.076 Fire 3 Lat 29.997 Long -90.065 |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: -Air Scan |
Photos requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team of two fires. ASPECT found and imaged three fires. IR/FTIR data requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team Air scan collected at the request of Region 6 Incident Management Team |
8 photos. Photo documentation of Fires 4 runs. IR images of Fire collected Airborne scan: Ground spectral analysis: |
Nothing Detected Fire 2 Less than 5 ppm Ethylene Glycol |
13 6 Sept |
New Orleans Rail Yards |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos of rail yards requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team FTIR data collected in conjunction with Rail yard survey Air scans collected in conjunction with rail yard survey |
50 photos. Photos show flooded rail yards Airborne scan: |
Nothing Detected |
14 8 Sept |
Continuation of New Orleans Rail Yards Tank Recon Lat 29.994 Long -90.027 |
Mission A: -Aerial Photos Mission B: -IR/FTIR Runs Mission C: Air Scan |
Photos of rail yards requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team IR/FTIR data collected at the request of Region 6 Incident Management Team. Air scans requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team. Specific request to investigate a missing Chloro Acetic Acid Tank |
28 photos Photos show flooded rail yards. Tank survey photo shows possible tank in debris 17 runs Thermal images of rail cars. IR images of tank recon collected Airborne scan: Ground spectral analysis: |
Nothing Detected Airborne Analysis Nothing Detected 1-5 ppm Chloro acetic acid |
15 9 Sept |
|
Mission A: -Aerial Photos |
Photos requested by Region 6 Incident Management Team of remaining rail centers |
40 photos. Photos show some flooded rail centers. |