Overview
- An internal electrical issue at 10:53 a.m. Monday disrupted operations at Martinez Refining Company, producing visible flaring and strong odors reported in Martinez and Benicia.
- Contra Costa Health issued a Level 1 alert and HazMat air monitoring detected no health risks requiring community action.
- The company said flaring and odors ceased around 1 p.m., with the possibility of intermittent flaring as units are returned to planned rates.
- Contra Costa Health requested a 72-hour incident report that will be posted on its website, and Bay Area Air District inspectors are investigating and coordinating on corrective actions.
- Martinez Refining Company said it will conduct a root-cause review, following a recent history that includes a 2022 catalyst release, a 2023 wastewater discharge fine, and a February 2025 fire.