Refinery events
Spent Catalyst response November 24, 2022:
Information and Corrective Actions
The entire Martinez Refining Company (MRC) team sincerely apologizes to our community and neighbors for the spent catalyst release that occurred during the night of November 24, 2022. We are disappointed in ourselves and have thoroughly investigated the incident and subsequently identified the corrective actions described below.
Corrective Actions
We have implemented 11 corrective actions resulting from our investigation:
- Two equipment solutions: Automate control changes that had previously been manually operated to enhance their effectiveness
- Six procedural solutions: Update procedures and alarms to provide additional instructions for MRC personnel to respond effectively to the type of process conditions that led to the incident
- Three training solutions: Implement additional Operator training on steps to take to correct the process conditions that led to the release
- Communication: We have updated our response procedures to issue a Community Warning System (CWS) notification and conduct immediate community monitoring during opacity events, even when the potential for a release into the community is unlikely
Agency investigations
We continue to cooperate with all agencies and investigations related to the incident. Because this incident is under investigation, we are unable to comment beyond what we have communicated in our Root Cause Analysis Report submitted to Contra Costa County Health Services earlier this year.
Risk assessment
Contra Costa County Health Services hired a toxicologist, TRC, to take soil samples from affected areas and analyze those samples for potential health concerns. TRC reported that “the findings of the investigation found no increased risk to public health resulting from the November 2022 catalyst dust release in Martinez.” In response, Contra Costa County Health Services lifted its March 7 health advisory regarding consumption of produce grown in soil near the site of the release.
Claims Information
If you have a concern related to the November 24, 2022, spent catalyst release, or would like to speak with a company representative, please call our claims representative at 800-542-7113 and leave the following information:
- Full Name
- Complete Address
- Telephone Number
- Email address
In addition, please describe the concern you would like to discuss, and a claims representative will return your call as soon as practical.
Additional Information
- MRC’s Root Cause Analysis Report
- Contra Costa HazMat’s “MRC Oversight Committee” Homepage
- City of Martinez’s “Information on Recent Events at the Martinez Refinery” Homepage
Petroleum Coke Dust Response July 11, 2023
Information and ActionS
At 8:52 AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the Martinez Refinery had an unintentional release of petroleum coke dust that lasted under one minute. Petroleum coke dust is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. There were no injuries associated with the incident.
The release occurred when hot coke was moved from a coke drum into a coke pit where it contacted water, creating steam with petroleum coke dust which was carried by wind into the residential area east of the refinery. Upon realizing that petroleum coke dust had been carried off site, refinery personnel contacted appropriate regulatory agencies, issued a Community Warning System (CWS) notification, met with impacted neighbors, sampled and documented the material in the community, and established a telephone claims line to address community concerns.
We will continue to investigate the root cause of the incident and the delay in our initial CWS notification, identify appropriate corrective actions, and work cooperatively with all agencies, while addressing the concerns of our neighbors through our claims line. We remain committed to achieving safe, reliable and environmentally responsible operations and earning the right to operate in our Martinez community. We are also committed to ensuring we make timely CWS notifications. We sincerely apologize to our neighbors and community for this incident. We know we must always earn the right to operate in the Martinez community and are very disappointed we did not live up to that once again.
Claims information
If you have a concern related to the July 11, 2023, petroleum coke dust release, or would like to speak with a company representative, please call our claims representative at 800-542-7113 and leave the following information:
- Full Name
- Complete Address
- Telephone Number
- Email address
In addition, please describe the concern you would like to discuss, and a claims representative will return your call as soon as practical.
AdDitional informATION
A copy of MRC’s 72 Hour Report can be obtained by emailing Martinez Refining Company Community Relations at MRC.CommunityRelations@pbfenergy.com.