Coffeyville refinery still recovering after flood

July 11, 2007
Coffeyville Resources LLC in Coffeyville, Kan., estimates that 1,700 bbl of oil and a small amount of oil from the refinery's sewer system were swept away by Verdigris River flood waters.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 11 -- Coffeyville Resources LLC in Coffeyville, Kan., estimates that 1,700 bbl of crude oil and a small amount of oil from the refinery's sewer system were swept away by Verdigris River flood waters.

During June 30-July 1, heavy rains caused the Verdigris River to overflow its banks and protective levees, flooding Coffeyville. The river crested more than 10 ft above flood stage, setting a record for the river. About 2,000 citizens and more than 200 homes were affected.

The 100,000 b/cd refinery, under 4-6 ft of water on July 3, was shut down and evacuated. Workers were able to return to some administrative offices and warehouses on July 4 (OGJ, July 9, 2007, Newsletter).

Refinery management entered into an Administrative Order on Consent with the US Environmental Protection Agency to respond to the spill. The order describes Coffeyville's commitment to conduct a timely cleanup of oil-impacted areas.

EPA conducted monitoring for volatile organic compounds in flood waters in Coffeyville and downstream, but has not indicated the presence of these compounds at a "level of concern," refinery officials said.