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.
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"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."
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.
“Until we have our laboratory analysis, I can’t really speak further to potential health impacts or quantify the release for you,” said Nicole Heath, the director of hazardous materials program for Contra Costa County Health.
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.
“This case was better, but there were still delays that should not be taking place,” said Jon Taylor of the group Healthy Martinez.
He said the Martinez Refinery Center should have reported the release immediately and he and other members of the group want more information about what’s coming out of the refineries.
“I wonder if we know about every release that there has been – right? Maybe stuff that is just routine is still not good for you when you’re exposed to it on a regular basis,” he said.
The problem is getting Congressman John Garamendi's attention.
Last Thanksgiving, another byproduct called spent catalyst was released from MRC and only reported after public outcry about dust everywhere around several neighborhoods.
“They simply have to make the investment so that they do not contaminate the community,” said Garamendi.
The congressman says asthma hospitalization rates in Martinez are 75% higher than the national average, and congressional action may be needed to force upgrades.
Martinez’s mayor agrees the Martinez Refinery Center needs to do more.
“The first time was spent catalyst, this is coke dust. We in the city of Martinez don’t need to be dealing with this – not just once every couple of years. This is happening every couple of weeks there’s something that we’re having to deal with,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn.
In a written statement, Martinez Refining Company said it notified county health officials and a spokesman wrote, “Refinery personnel are conducting off site monitoring, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our neighbors.”
“You can only apologize so many times before we no longer believe those apologies,” said Zorn.
Residents and business owners who have a claim or concern related to the release can file one with Martinez Refining Company. The company posted the following on its Facebook page: "If you have a claim or concern related to this morning’s release of Coke dust, 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."
Bay City News contributed to this report.
