Flaring at Chevron Refinery Prompts Community Health Warning

Chevron officials said visible flaring from Chevron’s Richmond refinery this morning was from normal refinery operations, but county emergency officials warned residents it could affect those with respiratory sensitivities. The Contra Costa County Community Warning System issued an alert just before 11 a.m. that an incident at the refinery could cause eye, skin, nose or throat irritation.

Chevron Richmond officials issued the following statement regarding the flaring:

Today there was some flaring at the Chevron Richmond Refinery. The flaring activity, which was visible to the community, lasted approximately 10 minutes and has now stopped. The refinery is continuing to produce transportation products.

The County did not ask residents to shelter in place. However, as an added layer of transparency and precaution, Chevron issued a Community Warning System alert.

The flaring had stopped by about 11:10 a.m., according to refinery officials.

Anyone experiencing any irritation has been advised to go inside and rinse the affected area with water, county emergency officials said.

By Bay City News

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