Joint Civil Enforcement Action Announced Against Martinez Refining Company

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Chief Counsel Alexander Crockett, announced a joint civil enforcement action against the Martinez Refining Company (MRC).

This joint civil action will involve multiple agencies, including the Air District, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health. These agencies have referred notices of violation and enforcement referrals against the Martinez Refining Company. This will include enforcement claims stemming from a 2022 release that occurred during the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as additional enforcement claims. It is a collaborative effort to enforce the law and ensure public safety.

“The goal of this joint effort with the Air District is to achieve a resolution that ensures environmental compliance, and to rebuild and foster a safer community for the residents of Martinez.” District Attorney Becton said.

“We welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office as we take a comprehensive approach to ensure MRC’s compliance with all air quality regulations,” said Alexander Crockett, Chief Counsel of the Air District. “This partnership combines our prosecutorial resources to help ensure we achieve the best possible results for the residents of Martinez.”

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Previous stories:

• Oct 6 – Contra Costa Health Investigating Coke Dust Release at Martinez Refining Company
• July 14 – Report Shows No Ongoing Risk to Public Health from Martinez Refinery Coke Dust Release
• July 12: Malhi Issues Statement on Latest Martinez Refining  Incident
• July 11: Contra Costa Health Investigating Coke Dust Release
• June 8: Risk Assessment Finds Martinez Refinery Release Did Not Increase Risk of Exposure to Hazardous Metals in Local Soils
• May 17: Health Advisory Lifted After Weeklong Mercury Cleanup in Martinez
• May 4 – Soil Sampling Being Done Around Martinez Refinery to Assess Health Risks
• March 7 –  Health Department Safety Advice on Gardening to Residents who Live Near Martinez Refinery
• Feb 24 – County Offers Gardening Tip After Spent Catalyst Possibly Made Way into Martinez Soil
• Jan 5 – Health Department Asks DA to Pursue Legal Action Against Martinez Refining Company
• Dec 31, 2022 –  Martinez Refining Company Says Maintenance Work Could Result in Flaring
• Dec 23, 2022 – Martinez Refining Company Statement on Thursday Flaring
• Dec 19, 2022 – Martinez Announces Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Martinez Refining Company Incidents
• Dec 14, 2022 – Contra Costa Health Recommends an Independent Investigation of Martinez Refinery Release
• Dec 9, 2022 – Flaring Friday Night
• Nov 30, 2022 – Hazardous Materials Release at Martinez Oil Refinery Contained Heavy Metals
• Nov 29, 2022 – Test Show White Dust Released in Martinez Was “Spent Catalyst”
• Nov 28, 2022 – Ash-Like Substance Being Investigated in Martinez, Company Offers Free Car Wash