Valero shutting down Lake Charles plant

Severe weather possible over weekend

A cold front is expected to move through the area over the weekend, bring with it the chance for severe weather.
Roger Erickson, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service-Lake Charles, said the front will bring a double weather threat.

Hurricane Gustav

Discussion

August 30, 2008

Anonymous The Port Arthur News Sat Aug 30, 2008, 06:28 PM CDT

Valero has decided to begin the sequential shutdown process and evacuation of its St. Charles refinery in Louisiana due to Hurricane Gustav. The Port Arthur, Texas City and Houston refineries are currently operating at reduced rates, and plant officials will make decisions on whether to take further steps at Port Arthur sometime tomorrow. Valero's Corpus Christi plants are currently operating at planned rates.

A handful of company-owned retail stores remain closed in Southern Louisiana due to evacuations. Valero will keep bringing in shipments of fuel as long as possible to keep other stores open and is working with local authorities to provide fuel along evacuation routes.

"As always, we will take the necessary steps to protect our personnel, our equipment and our communities as the situation warrants," Bill Day, spokesman, said.

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Pictured are Jesus Diaz (Bob Hope Charter School); Jordan Wood; Macey Lee Foreman; Katherine Schlett; Cody Meaux; and Faraz Datoo, all from Nederland High School.

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