June 18, 2005 – (Norco, LA); Due to the upcoming storm and lightening associated with it, it has been decided to delay the move of the Motiva Norco Refinery column from Airline Highway (Highway 61) in Montz, Louisiana to Prospect Avenue in Norco, Louisiana. The decision was made by Motiva, Entergy, Louisiana State Police, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department and Cox.
Our top priority is to ensure that nobody gets hurt,” stated Motiva Norco Refinery External Affairs Manager Kimberly Windon. “With a storm on the way, we felt it was best to allow the storm to pass before moving the vessel. We apologize if the delay creates an inconvenience for you.”
The column will begin moving as soon as the storm passes.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Windon
Motiva Norco Refinery
External Affairs Manager
Pager: 504-268-0599
Cell: 985-212-0024 ]]>MEDIA Advisory
June 15, 2005
Norco, LA – The Motiva Norco Refinery column, which is currently sitting at the Central Insurance Agency on Airline Highway (Highway 61) in Montz, Louisiana, will be moving soon. The column is scheduled to move across the Bonnet Carre Spillway on Saturday, June 18, 2005 beginning at 6:30am and concluding at approximately 5pm.
The 420 ton, 97 foot long, and 17 foot wide column will be moving at approximately two miles per hour. The vessel will travel in the westbound lane on Airline Highway across the Spillway. Once across the bridge and in Norco, it will switch to the eastbound lane. The move across the Spillway should be completed by 12 noon.
The column will turn off of Airline at Prospect Avenue, where it will make its way onto the Motiva property. The move from Airline in Norco to Prospect is expected to wrap up by 3pm. Prospect Avenue is expected to be blocked between the hours of 3-5pm.
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department and Louisiana State Police will be on hand directing traffic on Airline while the move is underway. Some traffic delays should be expected, however traffic will be allowed to travel eastbound and westbound on Airline throughout the day.
This column is a crucial piece in helping the Motiva Norco Refinery to meet federal guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) standard requires an approximate 97 percent reduction of sulfur levels (from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm) in highway diesel fuel by June 1, 2006. ULSD applies to heavy-duty highway engines and vehicles, such as large pick-ups, buses, delivery trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), and semi trucks. This new regulation applies to all refineries that intend to sell fuel for heavy-duty highway engine vehicles.
“In order to meet the EPA’s new specifications, the Motiva Norco Refinery will have to modify an existing unit, which is why this column is being brought to the Norco site,” commented Motiva Norco Refinery External Affairs Manager Kimberly Windon.
The ULSD project will cost the facility approximately $94 million.
No permanent changes to operations, maintenance or technical staffing will be required. Approximately $20 million will be spent in construction labor to a regional workforce. The estimated average manpower in 2005 is 100 craftspeople for approximately 10 months. Peak manpower (400 craftspeople) will occur in first quarter of 2006 and is expected to last approximately 2 months.
For more information on the ULSD rule, please click on the following link http://www.epa.gov/ and type in Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in the search box.
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Media Contact:
Kimberly Windon
Motiva Norco Refinery
External Affairs Manager
Work: (504) 465-6759
Cell: (985) 212-0024
Parish and Industry Form Partnership to Fix Damaged Sewer Line
May 18, 2004 – (Norco, LA) – St. Charles Parish President Albert Laque and Motiva Norco Refinery Manager Keith Casey entered into a cooperative agreement on Wednesday to replace a ruptured sewer line in Norco located on the Motiva and Shell facility.
This agreement came as the result of the line collapsing. A remote camera discovered the rupture after drainage problems were reported to the Parish. Several options to remedy the situation were discussed by St. Charles Parish Public Works/Wastewater Department, Motiva and Shell officials. The existing pumps were installed in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s and are located in an underground, pre-fabricated dry well. The existing pumps no longer operate as designed and must be replaced. The group came to the conclusion that it would be best to install two new small grinder pumps, a new sump, and a new lift station in its existing spot just north of the Illinois Central railroad tracks.
Motiva Norco Refining and Shell Chemical Norco have agreed to pay $200,000 each towards the installation of the new equipment. This project will allow the Parish to obtain new, above ground pumps that can be easily accessed without entering the Motiva and Shell facility.
“Motiva has always maintained that it’s committed to working cooperatively with St. Charles Parish to identify and implement the best solutions for both our business and the communities in which we operate,” commented Motiva Refinery Manager Keith Casey.
“This is another example of how the good working relationships we have developed with our neighbors in the business community saves money for the taxpayers,” said Parish President Albert Laque. “I thank Motiva and Shell for once again demonstrating its commitment to the residents of St. Charles Parish.”
For more information regarding this cooperative effort, please contact the following:
Steve Sirmon Kimberly Windon David Brignac
St. Charles Parish Motiva Norco Refinery Shell Chemical Norco
Public Information Officer External Affairs Manager External Affairs Manager
(985) 783-5000 (504) 465-6759 (504) 465-6837
Motiva Announces Improved Claims Process
Shell and Motiva apologize for the frustration our customers have been experiencing with the claims process related to the recent gas gauge issues. We value our customers and are committed to providing our New Orleans customers with exceptional customer service and high quality fuels.
We want this process to move swiftly so that our customers can get vehicles fixed quickly and be compensated promptly. To this end, we have expanded our resources and simplified the process as follows:
1. We have added additional claims representatives, appraisers and adjusters to ensure the process moves swiftly.
a. More than one hundred adjusters are working to contact customers, validate claims and expedite claims approvals, twenty of which will be stationed directly in New Orleans. They will begin contacting customers tomorrow and we will increase those numbers as needed.
b. Additionally, twenty-eight adjusters will be stationed in New Orleans to expedite claims and facilitate customer needs.
2. We are making arrangements with service centers in the area to expedite appraisals and repairs. We hope to have those arrangements in place by the beginning of next week. A list of these locations will be made available to customers through adjusters early next week.
3. If customers go to a service center approved by Shell, no estimate will be required.
a. If the customer chooses a shop outside the network of facilities we have identified, the adjuster will conduct an appraisal for the customer.
4. Additionally, the claims check will be presented to customers immediately upon completion of vehicle repairs for those customers who choose to have their vehicles repaired at a service center approved by Shell.
a. If the customer chooses a shop outside the network of facilities, the claims payment will be sent within 5 business days.
5. As is typical with any insurance claims process, we are requesting a release be signed. The release only applies to further claims related to gas gauge issue because we are confident that our fuel will have no other adverse affects on affected vehicles.
6. When customers receive their claims check they will also receive a $20 Shell gift card as a token of our appreciation.
We take this matter very seriously and encourage customers who have experienced fuel gauge-related issues to contact our customer service center at 877-825-2467 or log onto www.interactclaims.com/shell for assistance. Additionally, Shell and Texaco customers who have already received a claims number can direct follow-up calls to 800-877-1801.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers and we want them to know that we stand ready to assist them.
Main Media Line: 713-241-4544
Media Contact:
Kimberly Windon
Shell Oil Products US
Office: 504-465-6759
Pager: 504-268-0599
We want to assure all of our customers in the New Orleans area that Shell and Motiva are committed to providing them with exceptional customer service and high quality fuels. We value each and every one of our customers and we apologize for the frustration they have been experiencing with the claims process related to the recent gas gauge issues.
To provide our customers with the highest quality service, we have expanded our resources to ensure customer calls are handled quickly and efficiently. And, we are also currently reviewing the claims process to identify ways to make it simpler, easier and less cumbersome for our customers.
We want this process to move swiftly so that our customers can get vehicles fixed quickly and be compensated promptly. To this end, we will be issuing the first set of claims checks to customers tomorrow.
Shell and Texaco customers who have already received a claims number can direct follow-up calls to 800-877-1801.
For Shell and Texaco customer wishing to file a claim, they can call 877-825-2467 or log onto www.interactclaims.com/shell for assistance.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers and we want them to know that we stand ready to assist them.
Main Media Line: 713-241-4544
Media Contact:
Kimberly Windon
Motiva Norco Refinery
Office: 504-465-6759
Pager: 504-268-0599
On Tuesday, May 26, Motiva Enterprises LLC closed its Kenner Terminal and stopped selling fuel at the Shell and Texaco-branded stations it supplies after it detected high levels of sulfur in some of its regular-grade and mid-grade gasoline. Motiva and Shell have been working diligently to correct this situation and are pleased to report the Kenner Terminal was reopened today at 1:00 p.m. after the affected product was restored to specifications.
The product went through strict quality assurance testing, and we are in the process of replenishing our supply in New Orleans quickly and efficiently. Additionally, we are prioritizing stations to ensure our customers throughout the New Orleans market have a steady supply of gasoline.
We have pulled extra trucks and drivers from other markets to expedite the delivery process to stations. Trucks are working around the clock to deliver truckloads of product to Shell and Texaco retail sites each day. Additionally, Shell and Texaco branded wholesalers in the area have already replaced or are in the process of replacing fuel at their sites. We anticipate that most wholesale sites will be up and running by end of day tomorrow; and across our entire network, we expect the vast majority of stations to be back in service by midday Saturday.
We have also notified and remain in contact with all appropriate state and federal officials.
While Motiva and Shell regret this occurrence, we stand behind our products and invite affected customers to contact Shell at 1-877-825-2467 with additional inquiries.
Shell / Motiva Media Line: 713-241-1578:
Media Contacts:
Shawn Frederick
Shell Oil Products US
United States Region 6 Arkansas
Environmental External Affairs (6XA) Louisiana
Protection Agency 1445 Ross Avenue New Mexico
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733 Oklahoma
www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ Public Information: (800)887-6063 Texas
May 26, 2004
EPA and Louisiana Declare Norco Property “Ready for Reuse”
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a “ready for reuse” determination to Shell Chemical LP/Motiva Enterprises LLC in Norco, La. Motiva Enterprises is the first refinery in the nation to receive this designation.
EPA and DEQ agree that Shell/Motiva have successfully completed their investigation and risk management activities at the Norco East Site. The “ready for reuse” determination verifies that the environmental conditions on this property are protective of human health and the environment based on its current and anticipated commercial/industrial use.
"Today's announcement highlights the administration's newest program to promote the reuse of valuable industrial properties," EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. "We are building on our experience using the enormously successful brownfields program signed into law by President Bush. Our 'ready for reuse' determinations clear the way for reuse of valuable natural resources by providing necessary encouragement and assurances to developers."
A “ready for reuse” determination provides, in a straightforward manner, specific information about a site, including the nature and extent of contamination, the cleanup work performed (if needed), and the status of the property with respect to state and federal requirements.
DEQ Secretary Mike McDaniel said, “This is a significant accomplishment and we are extremely pleased with the hard work by all parties involved to reach this precedent. We have made the ready for reuse program an integral part of our remediation process to achieve productive economic and environmental benefits.”
The 826-acre property has been in continuous operation since its original development in 1916 as an oil refining facility. It contains both oil refining and chemical production units. From 1997-99, Shell/Motiva performed an extensive, site-wide evaluation of potentially impacted soil and groundwater, including reviewing data from 92 environmental site assessments and groundwater data from many monitoring systems. The review resulted in a remedial strategy to address environmental impacts across the entire facility.
As a result of Shell/Motiva’s efforts to investigate and remediate the property, EPA and DEQ have concluded that the property is safe for commercial/industrial use.
“Motiva is proud to be the first refinery in the United States to receive this award, which highlights the work we’ve done to reduce our environmental footprint. This award shows that Motiva can accomplish great things when we get the right people within our organization working cooperatively with state and federal agencies,” Motiva Refinery Manager Keith Casey said. “For Motiva, reducing the company’s footprint means more than just putting groundwater monitoring systems and management programs in place, it requires a commitment by all our employees to be good environmental stewards, which is what being a good neighbor is all about.”
More information about the Shell/Motiva “ready for reuse” determination is available at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ready4reuse.
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