Health risks escalate after Martinez refinery released coke dust, prompting investigation

Martinez Refining Company has released a “small amount” of coke dust over the weekend, according to the refinery. 

The refinery said on social media that, at approximately 1:15 p.m. Saturday, petroleum coke was being transported within the refinery “when a small amount became airborne for a short period of time. Our trained employees rapidly and safely responded, keeping the petroleum coke on-site, in the immediate vicinity where the material was being moved.”