CSB Publishes Update for Catalyst Refiners Hydrogen Sulfide Release – 8-13-26

 Yesterday, the Chemical Safety Board announced the publication of an update on their investigation of the April 22nd, 2026, fatal hydrogen sulfide release at the Catalyst Refiners facility in Institute, West Virginia. That incident killed two and seriously injured four others during decommissioning activities at the facility. Three incompatible chemicals were sequentially added to the wastewater processing tank, resulting in a chemical reaction that produced the toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. 

The update provides background information on the facility operations at the time of the incident, a description of the incident timeline, and information on the facilities personal protective measures policies at the time of the incident. The report closes with the following list of investigatory items remaining to be resolved: 

• “Analysis of onsite chemicals 
• “Decommissioning hazard analysis 
• “Use of personal protective equipment 
• “Corporate governance and oversight”