NYE flaring at Richmond Chevron Refinery prompts complaints; Air District investigating
RICHMOND – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is investigating complaints after a flaring incident at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond on New Year's Eve.
On New Year's Day, the agency posted on social media that they received six air quality complaints about the flaring. The agency said their investigation of the incident is ongoing.
The Air District received 6 air quality complaints related to flaring at #Chevron Refinery on 12/31. The Air District’s investigation of this event is ongoing. Check back for updates.
— Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) January 1, 2024
In a statement to CBS News Bay Area on Monday, a Chevron spokesperson confirmed that intermittent flaring took place "as a result of a process upset."
"Our employees worked to safely minimize and stop the flaring. A Community Warning System (CWS) Level 1 was issued to keep residents informed. Level 1 is the lowest on the CWS scale," the company said.
"Flaring is an important part of keeping the Refinery running safely. Flares are safety devices used in refineries to relieve pressure during the refining process and help keep our equipment and plants operating safely. Members of the community can visit www.richmondairmonitoring.org to view real-time air quality data," Chevron went on to say.
Late last year, the Air District issued four notices of violation against Chevron connected to another flaring incident at the refinery on November 27. In that incident, Chevron said a partial power failure caused the flaring, which is typically the burning of excess gases.
In December, the refinery was also issued a nuisance violation by the district following a separate issue involving odor from the facility's bioreactor.
The Air District is also investigating multiple incidents at the Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, which resulted in the agency taking action against the refinery and a surprise inspection of the facility that began last week.