Excess flaring at the ConocoPhillips refinery in Rodeo has prompted a health warning for residents in Crockett and Rodeo, according to Bay City News.
The problem began between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. when the refinery's hydrogen plant went down, Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Program Director Randy Sawyer said.
When the equipment failed, the refinery began using its flare to burn off excess fuel.
The problems continued and the refinery sent more and more material to the flare until, at about 2:30 p.m., officials issued an advisory for local residents.
Sawyer said he believes the flare might not be able to burn up the amount of material being released and some un-combusted odors and hydrocarbons could be impacting the community.
Sawyer said health officials were not issuing a shelter-in-place warning at this time, but warned that people with respiratory illnesses like asthma or emphysema could be affected by the release of the materials.
If the problems get worse, a shelter-in-place warning could be issued. Residents would be notified with sirens and telephone calls.
Local
The refinery is located at 1380 San Pablo Ave. in Rodeo
