The following update is from the Contra Costa Health Dept.:
A powdery substance released into the community by Martinez Refining Company (MRC) last week contained higher-than-normal amounts of heavy metals, tests of samples collected by Contra Costa Health (CCH) show.
CCH does not believe there is an immediate health risk to the community. The most significant health risks were short-term respiratory impacts from breathing in the metals in the hours after the release. Exposure to high concentrations of these metals over a long period of time could cause more serious health problems.
The accidental release of “spent catalyst” from the refinery began about 9:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving and into the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 25. CCH’s testing of samples taken near the refinery showed levels of aluminum, barium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc higher than normal background levels for those metals.
CCH and the County’s Community Warning System were not notified of the release as required by law. CCH’s HazMat team learned about the release on Saturday morning after seeing community complaints about white dust on surfaces near the refinery. In its amended 72-hour report regarding the incident submitted to the health department, MRC says it is investigating why those notifications were not made.
“Martinez residents need an immediate response when there is a release at the refinery,” said Deputy Health Director Matt Kaufmann. “MRC’s failure to follow notification procedure cost us critical time we could have used to warn the public and reduce health risks in the community. It’s unacceptable.”
Anyone exposed to the material released from the Martinez refinery who is experiencing respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sore throat or difficulty breathing should contact their healthcare provider. People should avoid handling or breathing any remaining dust that has settled on the ground or other surfaces.
“We are concerned for people’s health anytime they are exposed to toxic metals,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, health officer for Contra Costa County. “Our goal going forward is to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”
MRC, owned by PBF Energy, had initially told the community that its own testing of samples collected from the release suggested it was a non-toxic mixture of materials. The company also offered free carwash vouchers to Martinez residents.
Industrial facilities such as MRC are required by state law and county policy to immediately report the release or suspected release of hazardous materials to emergency response authorities, including the county’s Community Warning System, which sends text and telephone messages with emergency instructions to affected parts of the county.
CCH is continuing to investigate the incident and will hold MRC to its legal responsibilities to cooperate with its review of this release. More information will be posted at cchealth.org as it becomes available.
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Did I not say that lawsuits and claims were being prepared?
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Well, now they will be filed!!!
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… too predictable.
It’s catalyst, it’s going to have heavy metals.
@THE WIZARD….Was never much into heavy metal, I prefer horn bands and Prog Rock….just call me old “fa fa fashion….”
Good one.
At least the release took place on a night when relatively few people would be out and about, possibly breathing some of this stuff.
Let the lawsuits begin!
Talk about smoke and mirrors…nothing to see here folks, just a little non-toxic fallout…here’s a free car wash for your troubles. And why are they allowed to test their own sample? Me thinks there is some regulatory capture here with CCH…
“MRC had initially told the community that its own testing of samples collected from the release suggested it was a non-toxic mixture of materials. The company also offered free carwash vouchers to Martinez residents.”
It sounds like i made a poor choice using this harmless, non-toxic substance as a dessert topping 😢
Seems like the PBF Energy, MRC should be REQUIRED to PAY ALL the County, City, State Costs associated with the Incident… Peoples time, testing, filing court actions.. Should NOT be something the Taxpayers are responsible to cover.. AND should Not be Just a Fine..
No lawsuit without provable damages.
Not accurate. Lawsuits can be filed. A judge has to determine whether the complaint has merit… any lawsuit clogs the judicial system.
whoa hold on a minute, heavy metals. Imagine that.
Failure to notify the public. Someone needs to be fired possibly several someones. Fines need to be leveed.
What is being done to protect our water ways from the toxic materials entering the estuary nothing?
State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street, 24th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 341-7365
OPA@waterboards.ca.gov
Storm Water
Email: stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov
Telephone: (916) 341-5536
I agree with your assessment of the incident…with todays rain, those toxic materials are now making their way into the waterways. If you want to read more about the incident, here is the link provided to Contra Costa Health Hazardous Materials program. You will see Safety Data Sheet, BAAQMD Episode form and even meteorological data during the event….
https://cchealth.org/hazmat/pdf/MRC-Refinery-incident-2022-1124-72hr-report-edit-113022.pdf
…yah, but they’ll wash you car for free!
If your car had catalyst on it that morning and you got in turned that heater on you were exposed to hazardous waste , we are required to wear a respirator when handling catalyst out the bag not even been processed in the unit…. They know that stuff was hazardous and they failed to respond … Residents should be compensated and health care covered for next few years, that stuff effects you in the long run not immediate
“…samples taken near the refinery showed levels of aluminum, barium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc higher than normal background levels for those metals.
Excuse me! There’s a “NORMAL” release of these things?? What??
BAAQCD told us, once again, to NOT use our fireplaces on Thanksgiving. LMAO
The refinery arranged for complimentary car washes for those affected so I wonder how much exposure to this toxic stuff the poor workers at that business were exposed to cleaning those vehicles!
The requirements for notification of county health dept when dangerous or SUSPECTED dangerous substances are released is 15 minutes. That’s the law. And this never happened. What else will be released that doesn’t leave a telltale while trail? This needs to be investigated and they need consequences for their failure.