Martinez Refining Company reported a level 1 community awareness message to Contra Costa Health for flaring at its Martinez refinery early Friday morning.
The county health department responded with the message, “A Level 1 Community Awareness Message has been reported to CC Health by Martinez Refining Company, located in Martinez. This message is for informational purposes only. You may hear, smell, or see signs related to this event; however no action is required.”
In April, the refinery began restarting some of its process units shut down after a Feb. 1 fire that injured six workers and burned for three days. The fire prompted the refinery to shut down all operations. MRC officials have said they hope to rebuild the destroyed area and reopen it by the fourth quarter of this year.
A consultant’s draft report said earlier this month a lack of qualified contract workers, inadequate training and supervision, and contractors exceeding the timing of a work permit were among factors leading to the fire.
The refinery said Friday “Flares are an essential part of a refinery’s integrated, engineered safety systems, which are designed to safely manage excess gases and pressure through efficient, effective combustion. You can learn more about flaring on our website.”
People can view real-time fenceline measurements at the refinery’s air monitoring website.
For refinery inquiries during business hours, call (925) 313-3777 or (925) 313-3601 after hours.