Growing concerns: Neighbors of refinery told to avoid possibly tainted backyard produce

Contra Costa Health officials are advising residents near Martinez Refining Company not to eat produce grown in soil that may have been exposed in November to “spent catalyst” with heavy metals, saying further environmental testing needs to be completed.

“We are making this recommendation out of an abundance of caution,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, health officer for Contra Costa County, who issued the health advisory Tuesday. “There is no immediate health threat to the community. That said, it’s also always better to be safe than sorry.”