County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said Tuesday she is meeting with county health officials, Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, refinery officials and first responders to determine the cause of Saturday’s fire at the Martinez Refining Company facility in Martinez.
“This is the third major incident since BPF Energy purchased the refinery in 2020 and many more spills and releases have occurred since then,” Scales-Preston wrote in a prepared release. “This is not acceptable, and I am working to get answers for our community.”
The 5th District Supervisor said county officials and regulatory agencies will conduct an investigation into what caused the fire and what violations, if any may have contributed to it. The supervisor promised an independent investigation to determine what potential environmental hazards may linger as well as any needed improvements to refinery operations.
Scales-Preston is also requesting a Full Facility Audit under the provisions of the County’s Industrial Safety Ordinance in order to ensure future confidence in “the management and operation of the refinery.”
“My paramount concern is the health and safety of Martinez residents, workers, and the greater Contra Costa community. I will keep working to find answers and implement changes as soon as possible. The refinery must face consequences forany violations found in the investigation,” she wrote.
The supervisor promised a future town hall meeting to share what information had been determined about the cause of the fire and to hear feedback from residents.
A contained fire continues to burn and intermittent flaring reported as hydrocarbon materials burn off. Refinery operations have been shut down except for required utility systems. Contra Costa Health officials recommend that residents of Martinez and parts of Clyde and Pacheco who have respiratory issues remain indoors.
Updates are available HERE. Real-time air monitoring can be found HERE.
Let’s hope something gets done.
It would be nice to see some real change there. Otho l people are tired of empty promises.
This could be the Riviera of the Carquinez. All we need is an Emperor Norton as developer in chief.