The Benicia Fire Department said Monday that air quality levels in the city were normal despite complaints of an odor smelled throughout the city.
The department determined that the odor was primarily related to usual operations at the Valero refinery, but current wind and weather conditions have made the odor more noticeable.
Air quality levels were measured across the city.
“Benicia firefighters are using portable air monitoring equipment to check air quality in neighborhoods across the city,” the department said in a statement on social media. “There have been no readings detected above air quality standards.”
Solano Public Health, a division of the Solano County Health and Social Services Department, determined that a shelter in place order was not required. However, sensitive groups and residents who are susceptible to negative health outcomes may experience symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation.
“Anyone experiencing worsening or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention,” the fire department said.
The odor may still be noticeable as unusual weather patterns persist.
The fire department said it will continue to monitor air quality levels and provide updates.
The Bay Area Air District, the agency that monitors area quality across the region, said in an announcement that its inspectors were also investigating the complaints.
