Contra Costa County Health received a “level 1 community awareness message” from Martinez Refining Company on Sunday morning.
The warning, according to MRC on Monday, was about a steam leak that started at around 7 a.m. and lasted for around 30 minutes.
“The release was related to the startup of equipment, which was loud enough to be heard offsite,” the MRC stated on Monday.
A level 1 community awareness statement from Sunday was posted on the county health agency’s website. “MARTINEZ REFINING COMPANY, located in Martinez, has reported a Level 1 Community Awareness Message to CCHealth,” the refining firm said the department sent out. This communication is intended solely for informative reasons. Signs of this event may be audible, odorous, or visible to you, but no action is necessary. Please visit CCHealth’s Hazmat Dashboard at https://cchealth.org/hazdash for additional details.
A level 1 community awareness message, according to the health agency’s website, is defined as an occurrence that has “odor or audible impact; flaring lasting longer than 20 minutes; or other non-flaring visual impact.”
MRC additionally acknowledged “our trained employees who have taken appropriate steps to address the situation.”
“Anything to add to our statement yesterday, as additional details are considered confidential business information,” MRC stated in an email sent early on Monday.
Over $70 million worth of refinery equipment upgrades were finished by MRC in 2024. According to the firm, releases and flaring are crucial components of a refinery’s integrated systems for the safe management of excess flammable gases.
In 2024, MRC also consented to pay $4,482,000 to resolve a case alleging Clean Water Act violations. The business was charged with unlawfully releasing millions of gallons of wastewater into the Carquinez Strait wetlands, endangering aquatic life and degrading the water quality.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.