Valero Refinery Maintenance: Benicia Monitoring Air Quality

BENICIA, CA — Benicia city and fire officials are monitoring the air quality Tuesday in the city after being notified of operational issues as Valero Benicia Refinery conducts planned maintenance on its flue gas scrubber.

The city was initially notified that Valero would be doing the maintenance Monday and Tuesday, and that it was expected to result in visible changes to the scrubber's steam plume.

Tuesday afternoon, the city said it has "received a number of calls regarding the visible emissions and odor from concerned community members."

The Benicia Fire Department is working with Solano County Health and the Bay Area Air Quality Monitoring District, and will continue to monitor the situation, according to the city.

"Fire personnel have been monitoring the air with portable monitors downwind of the refinery and all levels are within safe limits," city officials said.

As of 2:30 p.m., the city said there was no threat to the community.

"We will notify the community if there are any significant changes."