A catalyst for controversy: Martinez refinery criticized for lack of information before leak

The Martinez Refining Company (MRC) should have reported events leading to the Nov. 24 discharge of more than 20 tons of “spent catalyst” days before the discharge actually started, local health officials told the Martinez City Council last week.

Phil Martien from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said a mechanical failure four days earlier started a chain of events leading to the Thanksgiving night discharge that lasted into the next day.