MARTINEZ — A day after plumes of smoke and towering flames took over a portion of the Martinez Refinery, officers stated the hearth is contained and group occasions are transferring ahead as deliberate, however investigations into the occasion are ongoing.
Fireplace crews responded to the refinery at 3495 Pacheco Blvd., simply earlier than 2 p.m. Saturday to place out the blaze that officers stated was the results of an explosion brought on by a leak of hydrocarbons within the refinery’s Mild Oil Processing space.
A number of complaints of “chemical/refinery odors” and “industrial burning” and “flaring” on the refinery had been filed with the Bay Space Air High quality Administration District by 12:30 p.m. Saturday, based on an incident report printed Sunday morning.
Seen plumes of smoke noticed by Incident Response workers about 2:30 p.m. appeared to exceed Air District Regulation 6, Rule 1 requirements, which limits emission charges and focus, based on the report.
“The Air District’s investigation of this event is ongoing, and we will provide additional updates when we obtain further information,” learn the report.
By 5 p.m., a Degree 3 alert was issued by Contra Costa Well being Companies division, and parts of Martinez closest to the refinery had been instructed to shelter in place. That order was lifted by 9:15 p.m., however a public well being advisory stays in place for Martinez, elements of Pacheco, and Clyde.
Refinery personnel managed to shut valves and largely shut down the sources of the hearth by 9:57 p.m., and firefighters efficiently contained the flames by 12:15 a.m., based on updates from Martinez Refining Firm printed to their Fb web page Sunday morning.
Six folks had been noticed by medical personnel, however nobody was significantly harm, the corporate added.
“Our top priorities are the safety and security of responders, as well as maximizing protection of public health and safety,” learn a press release printed on the Martinez Refining Firm Fb web page. We’re deeply sorry for the disruption and concern we now have induced the group. As soon as the emergency response is full, we are going to completely examine the reason for the incident in accordance with the Contra Costa County Industrial Security Ordinance (ISO) to determine and implement acceptable corrective actions.”
Residual smoke should be seen all through the day, and periodic flares might happen all through the week, Martinez Refining stated. Contra Costa Well being recommends that folks with respiratory sensitivities think about remaining indoors.
In the meantime, Downtown Martinez & Co. introduced on its Fb web page that it deliberate to maneuver ahead with its farmers market and Luna New 12 months celebration, noting that the Contra Costa County Well being Division had deemed situations secure for many.
The group acknowledged although that some could also be hesitant to take part given the “tragic event.” Organizers stated they plan to stay in shut contact with officers and can make adjustments to occasions if security suggestions change.
“We’ve been given the green light to continue business as usual downtown today,” Downtown Martinez & Co. wrote of their Fb submit. “That means it’s a great day to support our small businesses—the Farmers’ Market is open, the Lunar New Year celebration in the Plaza is happening, and our downtown businesses are ready to welcome you.”
Initially Revealed:
