Chase Hunter is the Alameda County reporter for the Bay Area News Group. Hunter grew up in the West Valley of Phoenix and moved to Sonoma County in 2021 where he reported for the Sonoma Index-Tribune and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat on wildfires, crime, city government, agriculture, and the environment.
Martinez Refining Company experienced an “internal electrical issue” affecting operations at 10:53 a.m. Monday that resulted in flaring at the site and complaints of an odor from Martinez and Benicia neighbors.
Contra Costa Health issued a Level 1 alert for the community regarding the odors and flaring at the MRC refinery and launched its Hazardous Materials Program to conduct air monitoring of the area, which did not detect any results that posed a risk to public health or further action. CCH has requested a 72-hour report from MRC related to the activity at the refinery. MRC wrote that flaring and odors stopped at approximately 1 p.m., adding, “there is potential for intermittent flaring” while employees return the refinery standard operation. Air monitoring of the refinery was“Flares are an essential part of a refinery’s integrated, engineered safety systems, which are designed to safely manage excess gases and pressure through efficient and effective combustion,” MRC wrote in a statement. “We will investigate the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions.” Martinez Refining Company has been subject to numerous air pollution controversies in the past 5 years, including the 2022 release of over 20 tons of toxic spent catalyst dust, discharging millions of gallons of untreated wastewater into nearby marsh in 2023 that resulted in a $4.5 million fine, and a fire caused by improper maintenance in Feb. 2025.Trump administration approves plan backed by Newsom to build largest California reservoir in 50 yearsDear Abby: I was hurt to find out the reason my friend cut me offDear Abby: My new hobby makes me happy. My husband strongly disapproves.Harriette Cole: I wish I was wrong, but it's obvious what my friend is doing9 special bowls: Ramen worth chasing down around the Bay Area
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