Lack of Air Monitoring Near Chevron's Richmond Refinery Concern Residents

August 6, 2012. That's the date an explosion and fire rocked the Chevron refinery in Richmond.

Smoke from the blast sent 15,000 people to hospitals looking for treatment. But just how bad was the air that day?

Air monitors are now available to provide such answers.

Chevron, as part of a 2010 agreement with the City of Richmond, purchased air monitoring equipment.

The company is ready to deploy the equipment once the city approves the locations and work plan, officials said.

Chevron was ready to start monitoring air quality last year, but the city nixed its proposal, officials said. A new plan was recently submitted.

City officials said they wish a mandatory installation date on that agreement was set three years ago.

Both sides will have to move on an agreement soon as more penalties and regulations are on the way from the county, state and Bay Area air quality management district.

More details in Terry McSweeney's video report above.

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