US EditionAir district investigating reports of strong odor in Benicia and Martinez
- On Monday, Bay Area Air Quality inspectors launched an odor investigation after complaints from residents in Martinez and Benicia, while communicating with Martinez Refining Company to identify corrective actions.
- Martinez Refining Company said an internal electrical issue at 10:53 a.m. Monday affected operations and led to flaring as part of engineered safety systems, according to statements.
- Contra Costa Health issued a Level 1 alert and launched its Hazardous Materials Program for air monitoring, which did not detect results that posed a risk to public health or required further action.
- CCH requested a 72-hour report from MRC and said it will investigate the root cause and identify corrective actions, while officials urged residents to follow local health officials' guidance.
- Regional refinery coordination expanded as the air district communicated with Valero while Martinez Refining Company’s past five years include a $4.5 million wastewater fine and fire in Feb. 2025.
12 Articles
12 Articles
East Bay Times
Contra Costa Health issues alert after Martinez Refining Company flaring
Martinez Refining Company experienced an “internal electrical issue” affecting operations at 10:53 a.m. Monday that resulted in flaring at the site and complaints of an odor from Martinez and Benic…
Air district investigating reports of strong odor in Benicia and Martinez
Air district inspectors have launched an odor investigation after receiving reports and complaints by residents in Benicia and Martinez, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said Monday. The City of Martinez at 11:25 a.m. said it was aware of a county warning and reports of petroleum smell from the PBF Energy refinery. The city added the county confirmed it was actively addressing the situation. Contra Costa County provided the following…
Strong odors, flaring at Martinez refinery pose no increased health risks to public, county health says
After responding to several complaints about strong odors and flaring Monday morning at the the Martinez Refining Company, Contra Costa Health determined that there were no elevated public health risks to nearby communities. The post Strong odors, flaring at Martinez refinery pose no increased health risks to public, county health says appeared first on Danville San Ramon.
"Flaring" May Happen at Martinez Refinery as CC Public Health Releases Incident Update Bay Area Telegraph
MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA – Yesterday in the mid-morning, people near the Martinez Refinery smelled something funny. It smelled like petroleum. And when you live near an oil refinery, that kind of smell can indicate something seriously wrong. The incident is now being identified as a case of “flaring.” According to Contra Costa Health, the refinery reported … The post “Flaring” May Happen at Martinez Refinery as CC Public Health Releases Incident Upd…
Air quality levels remain normal despite odors from Valero refinery, fire officials say
The Benicia Fire Department said Monday that air quality levels in the city were normal despite complaints of an odor smelled throughout the city. The department determined that the odor was primarily related to usual operations at the Valero refinery, but current wind and weather conditions have made the odor more noticeable. Air quality levels were measured across the city. “Benicia firefighters are using portable air monitoring equipment t…
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