Fire Erupts at Valero Energy’s Corpus Christi Refinery, Emissions Reported

A fire broke out Sunday evening at Valero Energy’s Corpus Christi refinery in Texas, which processes up to 301,000 barrels per day. The incident led to the release of hazardous emissions, according to a regulatory filing submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Valero reported that the fire resulted from a loss of containment, causing emissions that required regulatory disclosure. The company identified a crude unit as the part of the facility affected by the event.

An estimated 210 pounds of heptane were released due to the incident. Heptane is a colorless, highly flammable liquid commonly used in petroleum refining and is a key component of gasoline and other fuel products. It remains unclear whether refinery operations were impacted.

The Corpus Christi refinery is situated along the Texas Gulf Coast on the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and consists of East and West plants. It produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aromatics, and asphalt, with products distributed via pipelines and barges.

Photo credit: Valero. All rights reserved.