09 Oct Air District Fines Martinez Refinery Nearly $375K for Violations

The Martinez Refinery seen from Waterbird Regional Preserve in Martinez, Calif., on June 7, 2023. (Ray Saint Germain / Bay City News)

By Bay City News

The Bay Area Air District fined the Marathon Martinez Refinery nearly $375,000 for violations incurred, the agency said Thursday.

The refinery, a subsidiary of Tesoro Refining, was fined $372,500 for 13 violations including tank-related violations, reporting delays and uncertified pieces of equipment at its on-site gas dispensing facility, the air district said.

All violations have been corrected.

“By addressing these violations, Marathon Martinez Refinery will minimize excess emissions in the future,” said the air district on Thursday. “This penalty also incentivizes Marathon Martinez Refinery to increase attention to inspection and maintenance at their facility in unincorporated Contra Costa County, near Martinez.”

In August, the facility agreed to implement a new fenceline monitoring system to detect hydrogen sulfide and other pollutants at six points along its perimeter. The company also agreed to pay a $75,000 fine. A three-day fire at the refinery in February was found to have included chemicals that can cause cancer, heart and lung disease, Contra Costa Health reported.

A portion of the money collected from the refinery will be used in the community to reduce pollution, according to the air district.

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