Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07131993 - 2.4 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM: Mark Finucane, Health Services Director ''l=fit ;'. Contra Costa DATE: July 13, 1993 County SUBJECT: June 18 Hydrocarbon Release at the Tosco Refinery SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)8 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION: ACCEPT Report BACKGROUND: On June 18, 1993 at approximately 6:40 a.m., relief valves on top of a Debutanizer Tower at Tosco Refinery opened to the atmosphere in order to relieve pressure which had built up. The valves remained open for seven minutes. During that time, Tosco estimates that 75,000 pounds of a mixture of hydrocarbons, predominantly propane and butane, was released. In addition, about 375 pounds of hydrogen sulfide was released. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is investigating the cause of the incident. At about 6:50 a.m., Tosco notified Haz Mat staff that a release had occurred and stated that no off-site consequences were expected. About one hour later, an odor complaint was received from the West Pittsburg area, and at 8:15 a.m. odor complaints were received from the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Twelve people were reported sick from inhaling unknown chemicals. Two response vehicles were dispatched to the field to respond to increasing numbers of phone complaints from residents in West Pittsburg, Pittsburg and Antioch. Additional calls came in from Oakley, Brentwood and Bethel Island. Nearly 300 calls in all were logged throughout the day. Residents reported smelling a diesel-like noxious odor or burning rubber; many claimed nausea, vomiting, watery eyes, and respiratory problems. Most of these calls were routed from Sheriff's dispatch. We understand that the BAAQMD also received nearly 60 calls We believe that the released material did not disperse because of the particular weather conditions that day -- low wind speed in combination with an inversion layer -- and the cloud moved slowly along the waterfront during the morning hours. The cloud mostly dissipated by noon or one, although residents in Concord reported strong odors later in the afternoon, which could have resulted from a change in wind direction. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE ^•�— RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE _OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON July 13, 1993 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER X Requested the Health Services Director to review the notification/information distribution protocol as well as the development of a bulletin containing telephone numbers of agencies having responsibility in this area for distributi6n to schools. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE XX UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact Person: Barbara Masters (370-5014) CC: Health Services Director ATTESTED July 13, 1993 County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF County Counsel SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY DEPUTY -2- Throughout the incident,HSD staff gave out all known information to the media--particularly the electronic media -- which relayed that information to the public. Because of the large areas involved, we believe that this was the most effective method for getting information out. Unfortunately,because of the peculiar nature of the incident, we were not able to confirm that the odors were the result of the early morning Tosco release until later in the day. Therefore, we told residents to stay indoors and shelter-in-place if odors can be smelled and tune to KKIS. We understand that the local Fire and Police Departments provided similar advice during the morning hours when concerns were raised in Pittsburg and Antioch. Because of the large number of calls and health concerns expressed by residents, we opened a special clinic at the Pittsburg Health Center for residents who needed medical attention. Notice of this clinic was given primarily through the media. Seven individuals sought treatment for nausea,vomiting,eye and skin irritation. The Health Services Department is continuing its investigation in consultation with the BAAQMD and Cal- EPA.