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On Friday, Contra Costa Health issued a health advisory due to a strong chemical odor in Martinez, possibly associated with flaring at Martinez Refining Company.
The initial Level 1 flaring incident began at approximently 9:15 am, however, by 10:48 am, CCH has upgraded the incident to a Level 2 alert on the Community Warning System. The cause of the odor has not been determined
A CCH HazMat team is investigating in the community. People with respiratory sensitivities should stay indoors with doors & windows closed if there’s an odor in the area, and use a HEPA air filter if available.
Updates at cchealth.org
According to the Martinez Refining Company:
Flaring is occurring at the Martinez Refinery that may be visible and audible offsite due to an operational incident. Additionally, increased steam from the refinery may be visible, and we are aware of odor complaints and are conducting community monitoring to investigate the source. All appropriate agencies have been notified, and we are working to address these issues.
We apologize for any inconvenience to our neighbors. Flares are an essential part of a refinery’s integrated, engineered safety systems designed to safely manage excess combustible gases by burning them off efficiently and effectively.
As always, we have a community inquiry phone number you can call 925-313-3777or 925-313-3601 during off work hours. Thank you.
Hazardous Materials Incident:
At approximately 9:15 a.m. Friday, December 15, Martinez Refining Company notified the Community Warning System about a Level 1 flaring incident at the facility. Contra Costa Health is investigating the incident. Updates will be posted at cchealth.org.
Previous Stories:
- Nov 17 – Joint Civil Enforcement Action Announced Against Martinez Refining Company
- 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
