Authorities announced Thursday that they had secured a $10 million penalty against a Contra Costa County refinery owner after repeated violations over a four-year period.
The Martinez Refining Company will also pay $600,000 in mitigation for environmental projects and has committed to making compliance improvements at its refinery on Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez. The facility has experienced a number of issues in recent years, including a release of spent catalyst in 2022 that covered parts of the city in an ash-like substance, as well as illegal flaring, fires, leaking tanks, and the release of coke dust that spread past its property line.
“The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement. “This civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations, enforces compliance with the law, and reinforces our office’s dedication to protect public health and safety through all available legal means, including civil action.”
This is a developing report. Check back for updates.