Another “Coke Dust” Incident at Martinez Refining Company: Why You Need to Know

[UPDATE – 10/06/23]:

Contra Costa County health officials announced another petroleum coke dust release at the Martinez refinery on Friday, October 6th, making it yet another incident this year. The Martinez Refining Company (MRC) attributes this release to maintenance activities. Unlike the visible spread in July, hazmat crews found no discernible coke dust in nearby communities this time.

Coke dust, a black soot-like substance, had previously settled in surrounding neighborhoods. Contra Costa Health advises cleaning affected outdoor areas with soap and water.

Earlier this year, a public meeting addressed a hazardous material release from MRC in November 2022. Despite concerns, no significant health risks were found linked to that incident.

For more details, check out the full report at cchealth.org. If affected by such incidents, TorkLaw stands ready to assist and provide legal guidance.

[ORIGINAL STORY 9/9/2023]

On July 22, 2023, another concerning incident took place at the Martinez Refining Company’s facility: a release of “coke dust,” a byproduct of petroleum refining. If you live in the area or have been following local news, this might sound all too familiar.

What Happened?

That evening, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District informed the public of this release. The Air District inspectors are investigating the incident, and officials from Contra Costa County have joined the response. As of 9:25 p.m. that night, no complaints were received by the air monitoring agency regarding this issue. However, it’s essential to remember that this isn’t the first incident of its kind.

A mere 10 days prior, on July 11, a hazardous response team was called to the very same facility after a similar release of coke dust. To make matters worse, during that event, there was almost a two-hour delay between the refinery detecting the release and notifying the community’s health department. As Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover aptly expressed, “We are very concerned about the delayed notification…timely notification is critical.”

The immediate fallout from that July incident? The released coke dust, which resembles soot, covered the ground, cars, and various surfaces in neighboring areas. And while Dr. Sofe Mekuria, Deputy Contra Costa County Health Officer, advised residents to wash it off with water, it’s hard to ignore the fact that this is the third release of toxic materials at the refinery since last Thanksgiving.

So, what does this mean for our community?

For one, it raises serious questions about public safety, environmental impacts, and the timely communication of potential hazards. For residents living nearby, these incidents could pose health risks and may even result in personal injury claims.

Have You Been Affected?

If you or someone you know has been affected by these incidents and are experiencing respiratory issues, TorkLaw is here to help. As a leading personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that companies are held accountable for their actions. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.