29 Nov Air District Issues 4 Violations to Chevron Over Monday’s Refinery Flaring

(Image courtesy of BAAQMD via Bay City News)

By Tony Hicks
Bay City News

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued four notices of violation to Chevron connected to Monday’s flaring episode at its Richmond refinery.

Three of the violations were for visible emissions and one was for a public nuisance violation, an air district spokesperson said Wednesday morning.

The district was notified about the flaring at 3:42 p.m. Monday. People across the Bay Area reported heavy smoke and flames coming from at least three smokestacks.

Chevron said a partial power failure caused the flaring, which is typically the burning of excess gases.

The heavy smoke triggered a Community Warning System Level 1 warning issued by Contra Costa County. The warning didn’t require any action, and no one was evacuated. The air district said Chevron reported the flaring stopped at 2:03 a.m. Tuesday.

An air district spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and more violations may be issued.

For more information on the case, go to https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/incidents-and-advisories.

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