You’ve likely seen these kinds of discussions if you’re around Baton Rouge in the past day or so, and with all the talk about the storm system that came through and sparked tornadoes in south Louisiana there were surely folks who thought of that rumbling noise outside with an ear for a twister on the way.
But there’s an easy explanation.
It’s ExxonMobil’s refinery. If you’ve been driving yourself crazy trying to figure out what that low roar is that you’ve been hearing in the state’s capital city, be of good cheer. It’s just natural gas getting flared.
Residents across the Greater Baton Rouge area have reported hearing a low rumbling noise Wednesday night, likely from flaring at the Exxon plant. Exxon Mobil Baton Rouge said their plant is experiencing “operational issues” causing flaring that is expected to last through Thursday. Flaring is a safety measure to convert gases into carbon dioxide and water vapor and is considered to be a safe, environmentally acceptable way to control excess process gases. Flaring is not a concern to residents’ safety but can produce low rumbling noises and even high-frequency noises that can sound like a jet plane overhead.
The Refinery is currently experiencing flaring. This is not an emergency situation. Flares are safety control devices intended to consume excess gases. Safety remains our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience.
— ExxonMobil Baton Rouge (@ExxonMobilBRA) December 14, 2022
No reason for alarm. Think of a crawfish boil and that mouth-watering roar of the propane gas under the crawfish pot, and that way you won’t go nuts.