Unplanned Flaring at Torrance Refinery Shuts Down Del Amo Boulevard

TORRANCE, CA — An unplanned flaring shut down Del Amo Boulevard for four hours Sunday, authorities said.

The flaring started at around 7 a.m. at the Torrance Refinery Company plant because of "electrical issues," according to the Torrance Police Department. No injuries were reported inside the refinery.

As a precaution, authorities shut down Del Amo Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Maple Avenue until the completion of the flare off.

The Torrance Fire Department was called to the scene as a precaution. There was no danger to the public, authorities said.

The unplanned flaring event comes on heels of some residents' concerns about the use of modified hydroflouric acid at the plant. Scientists say the chemical can kill thousands of nearby residents if released into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency does currently allow the use of modified hydroflouric acid in refineries, however, all but two refineries in California use alternatives other than hydroflouric acid.

Refineries typically flare up to burn off excess built up gas and is normal during the start up process or scheduled maintenance. An unplanned flaring event could signal equipment breaking, power outage or other emergencies beyond the refinery's control.

The Torrance Refining Company, formerly the ExxonMobil Refinery, had recently restarted after closing down for more than a year following an explosion that caused extensive damage to the facility, injured four people and led to spikes in Southern California gas prices.

In July, a breakdown of the hydrogen plant forced an unplanned flaring at the refinery and in June a 300-ton crane collapsed at the plant, injuring three workers.