Coke dust release by Martinez refinery
Contra Costa Health's hazardous materials team is investigating a release of dust from the Martinez Refining Company.
Health department officials said material from the release is visible on the ground in surrounding neighborhoods.
The Martinez Refining Company reported at 10:20 a.m. through a community warning system that the released material was coke dust, a byproduct of the refining process, county health officials said. The refinery reported the release took place around 8:30 a.m. and lasted about one minute.
"We are very concerned about the delayed notification to the Community Warning System. We are once again responding to a refinery incident and trying to determine the health impacts," Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover said in a statement. "We understand this is an ongoing concern for our community and timely notification is critical."
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
County officials said the release left the dust on the ground, parked cars, and other surfaces near the refinery. The health department also spent Tuesday collecting samples for lab analysis. The county health department's hazardous materials team will be assessing samples for potential health impacts. Results are expected by the end of the week, officials said.
Health officials advise the public to avoid breathing or close contact with the material.
Coke dust is black and looks like soot, according to Contra Costa Health. Officials said residents should use soap and water to clean any outdoor surfaces that were impacted by the release.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
The Air District is closely monitoring a petroleum coke release at MRC Refinery in Martinez. Inspectors investigating & responding to complaints, documenting any air quality violations & assisting first responders. Follow instructions from health officials. Check back for updates — Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) July 11, 2023
Source: NBC Bay Area
