Taking Action for Environmental Compliance: Agencies Unite Against Martinez Refinery The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health, has joined forces to seek a common penalty against the Martinez Refining Company (MRC). This joint effort aims to address various environmental and legal complaints against the refinery, particularly regarding a significant release of over 20 tons of spent catalyst into the community during the Thanksgiving weekend of 2022. All the involved agencies have issued notices of violation and enforcement referrals against MRC. They are now working together to reach an acceptable penalty for the Thanksgiving release, as well as addressing three smaller chemical releases that occurred over the past year. The primary objective of this collaboration is to ensure environmental compliance and foster a safer community for the residents of Martinez. Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton emphasizes the importance of achieving a resolution that upholds environmental standards and rebuilds trust within the community. Alexander Crockett, chief counsel of the air district, expresses enthusiasm about working collaboratively with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure MRC’s compliance with air quality regulations. This partnership combines their prosecutorial resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for the residents of Martinez. The Thanksgiving release occurred from approximately 9:30 p.m. on November 24th, 2022, until the following morning, covering the surrounding community in metallic dust. The refinery failed to promptly alert the county health department and the community warning system, as required by law within 15 minutes of a release. It wasn’t until the following Saturday, when social media posts about the dust surfaced, that county health officials became aware of the incident. Preliminary testing of the released dust revealed elevated levels of aluminum, barium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc, all of which can potentially cause respiratory problems. The refinery has since issued an apology and informed the City of Martinez that they have implemented 11 specific corrective actions, focusing on equipment, refinery procedures, and better training. Additionally, the refinery has experienced three smaller releases of coke dust, a byproduct of oil refining, since July. The joint action taken by the agencies is a preliminary step to establish common ground for a penalty. Discussions involving MRC have also been conducted as part of this process. It is important to note that this is not a settlement agreement but an initial move towards finding a suitable penalty. If all parties involved fail to reach a mutually agreed-upon penalty, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office intends to pursue charges. The joint effort signifies a commitment to environmental compliance and the accountability of MRC, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the well-being of the community. In conclusion, the collaboration between the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health represents a united front in addressing environmental concerns and seeking appropriate penalties for violations committed by the Martinez Refining Company. By working together, these agencies aim to ensure compliance with regulations and create a safer and more sustainable community for the residents of Martinez.