Shell plant explosion in Norco, Louisiana facts for kids

The Shell plant explosions in Norco, Louisiana were two big accidents that happened in 1973 and 1988. These events caused a lot of damage and sadness in the community. In 1973, a gas leak led to a fire that killed two people. Then, in 1988, another explosion killed seven workers and released many toxic chemicals into the air. People in Norco, especially in the Diamond community, have faced health problems because of these chemicals. For many years, citizens have worked to get Shell Oil to help their community. In 2002, they reached an agreement that offered programs to help residents.

Norco's Story

Norco, Louisiana is a town located near the Mississippi River. It's about 25 miles west of New Orleans. Norco is known for being between a large chemical plant and an oil refinery. This area is sometimes called "Cancer Alley" because of the many industrial plants. The name Norco comes from the New Orleans Refining Company.

In 1916, a company connected to Shell built an oil refinery on land that used to be a large plantation. Later, in 1953, Shell bought another plantation site. This land was important because it was where a big historical event involving enslaved people happened in 1811. When Shell decided to build a chemical plant, Black sharecroppers were farming this land. They moved across the road to a new area that became known as the Diamond community. At first, the sharecroppers hoped Shell would bring many jobs. However, Shell mostly hired educated white workers who could read and understand operating manuals. These workers often moved into nicer parts of Norco.

The 1973 Explosion

A serious explosion happened on a summer day in 1973. A Shell pipeline started leaking gas. This pipeline ran along Washington Street in the Diamond community. It also acted as a fence between the plant and the homes. Many people living there saw a white cloud of gas moving down the street.

Nearby, Leroy Jones, a 16-year-old, was cutting grass for Helen Washington. She was an older resident of the Diamond community. Helen Washington was taking a nap on her front porch. Leroy Jones took a break from his work to talk to his neighbors. When he started the lawnmower again, a spark from it ignited the gas fumes that had leaked from the Shell pipeline. This caused an explosion. Leroy Jones was badly burned, and Helen Washington's house caught fire.

Emergency workers took Leroy Jones to the hospital for his injuries. Sadly, he died a few days later. Helen Washington died immediately in her burning house. It's not clear how much money the families of the victims received. Some citizens say that Helen Washington's relatives got $3,000 for her destroyed house and land. They also claim that Leroy Jones's mother was paid only $500 for her son's death. There are no official records of these deaths, and the accident is not mentioned in the Shell Norco Museum.

The 1988 Explosion

At 3:37 a.m. on May 5, 1988, another explosion rocked the oil and gas refinery. This blast happened in a part of the plant called the catalytic cracking unit. It seems the explosion was caused by a corroded, or rusted, vapor line. This line was under high pressure. When it broke, about 17,000 pounds of hydrocarbon vapor escaped in about 30 seconds. A furnace in the plant might have caused the vapor to ignite.

The explosion was likely an air blast. Its center was near the control room. Five workers died inside the control room because of the blast. Another worker died about 30 feet outside the control room. A seventh worker died while leaving another control room. The explosion caused damage up to 1 mile away. Debris from the plant was found as far as 5 miles away. People in New Orleans, about 25 miles away, could hear the blast. Some even reported that it set off burglar alarms.

A fire burned for eight hours at the refinery before it was put out. Chemicals released during the explosion covered cars and homes with a black film. The governor declared a state of emergency in Norco and St. Charles Parish. Seven Shell workers were killed, and 48 residents and Shell workers were injured. The explosion released 159 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the air. This led to widespread damage and forced 4,500 people to leave their homes.

Health Worries in Norco

Many people in the Diamond community say they suffer from illnesses because of the oil refinery. Residents often report having headaches, nausea, dizziness, congestion, sore throats, and trouble breathing. They claim that their health gets better when they leave the Diamond area. But when they return, their health problems start again.

In 1997, a study by Xavier University Deep South Center for Environmental Justice looked into these issues. The study found that 34% of children in the Diamond area had asthma problems. Also, one-fourth of all the women and children surveyed had to go to the hospital for breathing problems. Residents also say they have emotional issues because of the 1973 and 1988 explosions. Some residents even sleep in their clothes so they can be ready to leave quickly if another explosion happens. They also report having vivid memories of the past explosions.

Citizens Take Action

After the explosions in 1973 and 1988, a group called the Concerned Citizens of Norco formed. This group worked to talk with Shell Chemical LP. They wanted to solve problems related to a program that would buy properties near the plant. This program aimed to create a green space along the plant's fence lines. It was offered to residents on two of the four streets in the Diamond neighborhood.

These discussions helped Shell understand the Diamond community better. Both sides also talked about the Shell and Motiva Good Neighbor Initiative. This initiative includes programs designed to improve life for people in Norco and Diamond. Shell created a program with two parts: a Property Purchase Component and a Home Improvement Component.

Helping the Community

The Home Improvement Component lets Diamond residents stay in their community. They can benefit from the Good Neighbor Initiative. This part of the program is meant to improve their lives, help the community grow, and keep its history alive. The Property Purchase Component allows Diamond residents to sell their property to Shell at a fair price. This gives them the option to leave the community. The disagreements between the Diamond community and Shell have been resolved. Both sides have agreed to continue talking openly if new issues come up. This agreement was officially signed on June 11, 2002.