"An odor was reported at the Valero Benicia Refinery on Monday, according to the Bay Area Air District. As of Tuesday afternoon, the refinery is shut down, and intermittent odors and flaring are expected. A statement from the Benicia Fire Department said these conditions could even continue "intermittently over the next several months." Valero did not respond to SFGATE's additional questions about the cause of the flaring."
"The other incident happened at the Martinez Refining Company, which is owned by PBF Energy Inc. Visible flaring and an odor were reported just before 11 a.m. Monday, triggered by an electrical issue, a statement from the company read. Although the odor has mostly subsided, the company said occasional flaring could happen as employees work on the refinery. As of Monday evening, Contra Costa Health said there are no health risks for the public,"
"In the meantime, inspectors will be "closely monitoring" the refinery, the Bay Area Air District said. Community members can report air quality issues to 800-334-ODOR or on the agency's website. The issues come as Valero is expected to idle its refinery in April 2026, citing high operating costs as one of the main reasons. Nearly one year ago, a massive fire erupted at the Martinez facility, releasing toxic chemicals in the air and causing a major gas price spike."
Odors and visible flaring occurred this week at two Bay Area refineries. An odor was reported at the Valero Benicia Refinery on Monday, and the refinery was shut down by Tuesday afternoon with intermittent odors and flaring expected, potentially over several months per the Benicia Fire Department. Valero did not answer questions about the cause. At the Martinez Refining Company, owned by PBF Energy, visible flaring and an odor were triggered by an electrical issue; the odor mostly subsided but occasional flaring could continue as workers make repairs. Contra Costa Health reported no public health risks and will post a report within 72 hours. The Bay Area Air District will closely monitor conditions and the public can report odors to the agency.
Read at SFGATE
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