On December 25, 2022, there was an oil spill due to a ruptured pipeline in Corpus Christi Bay. According to reports, a pipeline located near the Flint Hills Resources Ingleside facility ruptured. Eventually dozens of boats became involved in cleanup efforts.
According to the City of Corpus Christi, a third-party investigation into that incident has now concluded. The investigation found the following related to the release:
- The 3” sump line was not emptied after removing the Dock 5 sump pump from service in June 2022; therefore, the line was still holding liquid.
- During the time of the release, temperatures had dipped below the freezing point. The pipe’s failure occurred due to water freezing within the line, causing it to expand and fracture.
- Although Flint Hills Resources executed a freeze protection checklist at the Ingleside Terminal prior to the freeze event, the checklist did not address the threat of freezing within the sump line on the inactive Dock 5.
- The 3” sump line was designed to transport liquids accumulated in the sump, such as rainwater, from Dock 5 to the terminal tanks through piping that is also used for crude oil transfer. When the pipe failure occurred on the sump line, the liquid in the line drained out, allowing crude oil to backflow into and discharge from the sump line.
It can be dangerous to work in any industry when safety considerations are not taken seriously. Safe pipeline owners and operators must ensure that their pipelines do not put the lives of hard working men and women at risk. Safe companies must be proactive and take preventative measures, including regular maintenance and repairs, to also ensure that the environment is not impacted.
Our experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of an oil spill. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a maritime accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.