Refinery Fire: Air District, Contra Costa DA Issue Joint Statement

Press release from the Contra Costa County Government:

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Bay Area Air District and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office understand the community’s concerns following the Feb. 1, 2025, fire at the Martinez Refining Company.

The Air District has been evaluating the fire’s air quality impacts and has issued three notices of violation to MRC for violating Air District regulations. These notices of violation were issued for creating a public nuisance, for failing to operate equipment as permitted, and for excessive smoke and soot fallout. The Air District’s investigations are ongoing, and the agency will issue further notices of violation for any additional violations uncovered.

Additionally, the Air District and the District Attorney’s Office continue the joint civil enforcement action against MRC for previous violations at this refinery. The two agencies are working collaboratively to take a comprehensive approach to ensure MRC’s compliance with all air quality regulations. While we understand the public’s interest, the confidential nature of the process prevents us from commenting on the status of this enforcement action.

This press release was produced by the Contra Costa County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.