Dominican Republic Refinery Recovering from Hurricane Noel

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Hurricane Noel, the deadliest hurricane in 2007, hit the Dominican Republic on November 1, 2007, as a Category 1 hurricane. At least 82 people were killed, and thousands were left homeless.

Flooding, especially in the Nizao River, affected the pipeline's pumping system and the pipelines that carry feed from the port to the Refineria Dominicana de Petroleo S.A. (Refidomsa) refining plant. Tankers carrying gasoline were not able to reach the coast. Damage was assessed, and leakages, caused by displacements, were found in some legs of the pipeline.

The refinery stopped producing its usual 34,000 barrels per day because of a lack of supplies, including water, and because of damage to its facilities. Repairs are being performed, and the plant is expected to resume activities in all of its units by November 9, 2007. Fuel will be imported until the refinery can start processing again. Authorities have said that there are enough propane and diesel fuel supplies for the next 15 days. Over the weekend, the Estenia Italica tanker exhausted 2 million gallons of gasoline, and two other tankers exhausted 2 million gallons of gasoline and 4.5 million gallons of liquefied gas. Other ships carrying fuel are expected to arrive before November 28, 2007.

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