Shutdown Of Valero Benicia Refinery To Result In Flaring

BENICIA, CA — Benicia residents can expect flaring as the Valero Benicia Refinery conducts a complete shutdown, Benicia city officials said Sunday. Valero notified the city shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday that the shutdown was being done to improve conditions and minimize risk from earlier operational issues involving emissions.

"This shutdown is expected to last for multiple days and will result in visible flaring," city officials said.

The shutdown comes after the city at 7:30 a.m. Sunday reported that over the past 24 hours, emissions of coke, a byproduct of the refining process that is composed primarily of carbon particles, had reached a level considered unhealthy for residents with respiratory issues.

During this so-called Valero scrubber incident, Benicia Fire Department has been and will continue working with Solano County Environmental Health, Solano County Public Health and Bay Area Air Quality Management District to monitor the air quality conditions, according to the city.

According to a city advisory notice issued at 10 a.m. Sunday, all Benicia residents who have respiratory issues should immediately do the following:

— Go inside your home, workplace, or the nearest building that appears to be reasonably airtight and stay there.

— Close all doors, windows, and any fireplacedampers. Cracks around doors and windows can be sealed with tape or damp towels.

— Stay tuned to receive emergency announcements and instructions.

City officials said healthy individuals should also limit their outdoor activity.

The city will post updates to its Facebook page and website.

"Please do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an emergency," city officials said.