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 a Community Warning System (CWS) Level 1 incident at 10:53 a.m. connected with flaring.
County hazmat teams went out to monitor air conditions and did not detect results that would require any action from the community due to public health risk, the update said.
However, residents may continue to see intermittent flaring. Contra Costa Health said the refinery reported it intends to restart some equipment, which can create the potential for flaring that is visible in the community.
At the same time, the Bay Area Air District said inspectors were investigating odor reports in Martinez (and separately in Benicia) and were in communication with the refineries to determine the cause and corrective actions.
In a statement posted Monday afternoon, Martinez Refining Company said an internal electrical issue affected operations around 10:50 a.m., resulting in visible flaring that could be heard offsite. The company also acknowledged odors in the community and said there is potential for intermittent flaring as workers return the refinery to planned operating rates.
Martinez Refinery says “A flare is an integral part of the refining process also used in other industrial operations across the world. They are key safety devices to ensure the safe disposal of excess, flammable gases.”
Basically, the refinery releases flammable gasses combined with steam, which it sets on fire so they don’t drift through the community.
“Although flaring is necessary and an environmentally and technically sound safety measure, our refinery tries to minimize its use,” the refinery says.
The upshot? If you drive by the refinery and see a big tower that appears to be shooting flames into the sky, it’s likely the flare.
Contra Costa Health said it has requested a 72-hour report connected to the incident, which it says will be posted on the county health website.
If you notice strong odors, smoke, or other air pollution concerns, the Bay Area Air District asks residents to file a complaint online or call its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-334-ODOR (1-800-334-6367).
We’ll keep following this developing story closely. Make sure to join my free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated/
