Hydrogran Sulfide release, Chalmette, LA

On 03APR, USCG Sector New Orleans contacted NOAA SSC in regards to citizen reports of “funny chemical smells” throughout the greater New Orleans metro area. USCG and LDEQ personnel began interviewing citizens early this AM and searched for a source of chemical release. Active air monitoring led personnel to investigate of a facility in Chalmette (6 miles ESE of French Quarter, New Orleans, LA). The facility reported a leaking flare drum with hydrogen sulfide and benzene being released. USCG is request air plume modeling to determine if the two cases are linked.