HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04161996 - P2 P.2
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on April 16, 1996, by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Rogers, Bishop, DeSaulnier, Torlakson and
Smith
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP REPORT FROM THE HEALTH SERVICES
DIRECTOR REGARDING THE APRIL 1 , 1996, EXPLOSION
AND FIRE AT THE SHELL REFINERY.
Lewis Pascalli, Deputy Director, Hazardous Materials/Occupational Health
Programs, presented an oral report regarding the April 1 , 1996, explosion and fire
at the Shell Oil Refinery in Martinez and the County's response to that incident.
Mr. Pascalli outlined the following areas in his report: notification, response of the
Hazardous Material Incident Response Team, the Investigation Findings and the
outstanding issues that the County Health Department is addressing.
Following Mr. Pascalli's report, Chairman Smith opened the floor for public
comment on the matter and the following persons addressed the Board:
Donald B. Brown, Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers (OCAW), 1801 Sonoma
Boulevard #17, Vallejo;
Denny Larson, Citizens for a Better Environment (CBE), 500 Howard #506,
San Francisco;
Sabina Gokcen, 2047 Olympic Drive, Martinez; and
William B. LeRoy, P.O. Box 913, Antioch.
Following the close of public comment, Supervisor Torlakson stated that further
review of current policies is in order by a subcommittee of the Board.
Supervisor Smith suggested that the Board form an Ad Hoc Committee to review
the issues raised by the speakers and to work towards developing an audit process.
Supervisor DeSaulnier concurred with the need to form an Ad Hoc Subcommittee
of the Board and stated that a uniform Countywide process should be developed for
addressing these types of incidents in the future.
Supervisor Rogers expressed concern that the public lacks an understanding of the
Community Alert Notification (CAN) systemand under what circumstances the CAN
system will be activated. Supervisor Rogers stated that if the public were better
informed then the system would be more effective.
Supervisor Bishop recommended that the Ad Hoc Committee interface with the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District in an attempt to urge the air districts to be
more diligent and responsive to the concerns of Contra Costa County due to the
large concentration of refineries in this County.
At the conclusion of the discussion, and the Board members being in agreement,
the following was ordered by the Board:
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the report from the Health Services
Department, Hazardous Materials/Occupational Health Programs, regarding the
April 1 , 1996, explosion and fire at the Shell Oil Refinery is ACCEPTED;
P.2
April 16, 1996
Continued
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Health Services Department staff is DIRECTED
to work with the Supervisors from Districts 2 and 4 to form an Ad Hoc
Subcommittee of the Board to hold public hearings as soon as possible, and to
include Citizens for a Better Environment, the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers,
the Community Notification Advisory Board, the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District and the appropriate County departments to help staff and assist the Ad Hoc
Subcommittee.
i noreby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on tho minutes of the
Board of Supervi on the at$show.
ATTESTED: (a 0 Z226
C LOR, Clerk oftKa Board
isors an Count inist
i
cc: Supervisor Smith
Supervisor DeSaulnier
County Administrator
County Counsel
Health Services Director
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Community Right to Know Report
Shell Fire and Toxic Release of April 1, 1996,
WHAT SHELL DID NOT TELL YOU
The air data.[sampled at the Shell Fire] does represent a toxic chemical hazard.
-Dr. James Dahlgren, UCLA School of Medicine
Toxics in the air at the time of the release included MTBE (new clean fuels additive),
benzene, toluene, and,methylene- chloride, and other toxic chemicals of concern.
-Community, Air "Bucket Brigade"
Short term exposure:to MTBE even in low parts per billion range can cause
respiratory tract irritation;eye irritation, headaches, asthma attacks;.nausea, and
dizziness.
-Dr. James Dahlgren, UCLA School of Medicine
INDEPENDENT AIR SAMPLE RESULTS
HEALTH ANALYSIS
• by .
Communities for a BETTER Environment,of California (CBE)
Dr. James Dahlgren, UCLA School of Medicine
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Community 'BUCKET BRIGADE'Air Samples • Shell Refinery fire, April 1,.1996 .
Location-Chemical Detected Measurement in parts per billion
Bucket #3 Waterfront & Waterbird St. • 10:30 m April1, 1996
Toluene - 23
total Xylenes 11
MTBE (new clean fuels additive) . 21
Benzene 3.4
Methylene Chloride 2.0 F
Carbon Disulfide 2.1 �4
Sytrene 1.3
Tetrachlo'roethene .64
Ethylbenzene 2.3
Chloromethane 1.5
Acetone 19
Trichlorofluouromethane .49
27Butanone 2.4
. 1,1,1 Trichloroethane .64
Bucket#4 •'DeNormandie & Pacheco • 9:00 pm April1;1996
Toluene 20
total Xylenes 9.6
MTBE (new clean fuels additive) 12
Benzene = 2:5
Methylene -Chloride 1.7
Carbon Disulfide 2.9
Sytrene 1.5
Tetrachloroethene .51
Ethylbenzene 2.1 :
Chloromethane 1.3
Acetone 22
Trichlorofluouromethane .44 }
2-Butanone 3.3 r
1,1,1-Trichloroethane .65`
Samples collected by Martinez "bucket brigade of Communities for a SAFE
Environment with technical.assistance provided by.Don Brown, Special Affairs,,
OCAW and Communities for' a BETTER Environment.
Community BUCKET BRIGADE Air Samples • Shell Refinery fire, April 1, 1996
Location-Chernical Detected Measurement in parts Fer billion
Bucket#1 • Scenic &Elm St. *7:3012m pm April1, 1996
Toluene 16
total Xylenes 5.4
MTBE (new.clean fuels additive) , 5.4
Benzene 2.1
Methylene Chloride 2:5
Carbon Disulfide 3.6
SytreneT 1.1
Tetrachloroethene .66
Ethylbenzene 1.2
Chloromethane
Acetone 23
Trichlorofluouromethane .46 -
2-Butanone 2.7
1,1,1-Trichloroethane .55
Samples collected by Martinez "bucket brigade" of Communities for a SAFE
Environment with technical assistance provided by Don Brown, Special-:Affairs,
OCAW and Communities for a BETTER Environment:
Community UCKET BRIGADE'Air Samples • Shell.-Refinllery fire, April 1, 1996
Estimated 'Colncentration
micrograms per meter cubed (gg/m3)
11 -
Buckets
Compound i #1 #3 #4
2-Methylbutane 700 600 '600 .
Isobutane 400 3��00 400
Pentane 200 100 200 , ,
Unidentified -
Silano or Siloxano --- -��- 200
Ethanol 100 TOO 70
Isopropyl Alcohol 100 5'1'0 50
2-Methly pentane 6O 50
Methylcyclopentane 50 30
Dimethylpentane --- 40, 30
C8 Branched Alkane --= 60 50
C10 Branched Alkane 50 -1 = ---
C11 Branched Alkane 100 --- ---
C11 Branched Alkane 100 II= ---
3
C11 Branched Alkane
C11 Branched Alkane 60 =;r - --- \
ii
Phenol (Possible Artifact) --- 5Q 40
Decane 50 : 40 60
Undecane 50 50 _ 30*
Dodecane
2-Ethyl-l-Hexanol --- 50 ---
Butane 30 60 40
*A unit of weight within,a given area (1 cubic meter of.air).
1 ounce= 28.350 grams. 1 gram = 1000(gg) micro am
Samples collected by Martinez "bucket brigade" of Communities for a SAFE
Environment with technical assistance provided by Don Brown, Special Affairs,
OCAW and Communities for a BETTER,Environment.
,From:J Imes Dahigren To.Denny Larson Date 4/9!96 Time:416:02 P141 Page 1 of 2
of
James Dahlgribn, MD'
P.:O. Box 251648, LA, CA 90025
2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1265W
Santa Monica, California 90404
VOICE 310-2681778 . FAX 310-268-1782
e-mail dahlgren@ucla.edu
April '9, 1996
Denny Larson
..Communities for a Better Environment (CBE)
FAX 415-243-8980
Dear"Mr. Larson:
I have reviewed the Jnformation you have forwarded to me about the SheI'l
Oil refinery fire. It is my understanding that the main problem form
this fire was exposure to sickening fume and vapor arising from an
explosion, fire and its, associated chemical release. The air samples
were taken at a,time remote from the, greatest intensity of the fire's
toxic cloud and thus is not representative of the highest levels of
exposure.
The air data from Performance Analytical Inc. (PA Laboratory) ,on 4/1/96
does represent a toxic chemical hazard. Even at the levels seen in
these 4/1/96 studies there can be adverse health effects. Short .term'
exposure to MtBE (Methyl tent-Rutyl,Ether, a gasoline additive) even
in the low, parts per billion range can cause:
• respiratory tract irritation
eye irritation
• headache
., asthma attacks
nausea
• dizziness.
Page 1 04/09/96
From:James Dahlgren To: Denny Larson Date:419196 Time:4:16:02 IPM Page 2 of 2
tim
- 12 B arts perbillion ata e
The presence of MtBE -at 5.4, .21 and (PP ) (p p )
when the exposure _is, far less than the peak exposure is significant.
Even ,these low levels of MtBE ae' high enough to cause the
symptoms noted above.
In addition -there was at least a total of 950 PPB of other chemicals
measured by PA Laboratory.
There were no doubt many other chemicals-present .in the air that were not
measured.
s II
It .is safe to assume that-.exposures to, toxl was many times higher than.
these levels during the peak of the fire.
Sensitive persons with allergies, asthma, and chronic) debilitating diseases,
as well` as the very young and th`6 very old, wou4ld be .made sick by
exposure to-'air containing these chemicals, even at.the: levels seen
on the 411/96 air samples.
It is likely that everyone would be made sick by the exposure to the higher
level exposures resulting from the peak exposures generated by the
explosion and fire.
In the, future, I would ,recommend that'urine'and'blood be collected at the
time of the, exposurefrom all persons who are exposed so we, can do
precise, individual and quantitative measuring of exposure.
Ifyou have anyadditional questions Pl_ease let me know.
If
Sincerely Yours
James Dahlgren, MD hl
Assistant,Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCLA School of Medicine
f
I
i II
Page 2 04/09/96
4
14,
Report to the Contra Costa County supervisors on Community Meeting
of April 9, 1996 Regarding the Shell Fire and Explosion of April 1, 1996.
Over 250 people attended a Community Meeting on the most recent fire and
explosion at the Shell'Refinery sponsored by the.local Martinez,group Communities
for a SAFE Environment and Communities for a BETTER Environment on April 9,
1996. Results of independent air samples taken during the fire and chemical.release
by.Martinez residents were explained. Copies of a "Community Right to Know
Report" detailing the over 35 toxic chemicals detected.in the air were distributed to
the public. The report included a review by UCLA Medical Doctor James Dahlgren
that concluded that'the'toxics detected in the air "represent a chemical hazard" both
from`the multiple number of chemicals,acting together and the levels of Shell's
clean fuels additive MTBE:
Although MTBE may not have been involved in the actual fire, Shell stores
and uses huge quantities of MTBE in tanks and equipment.that leak significant
amounts into the air on a routine basis. The detection of harmful levels of MTBE in
the air from sampling done on or near its fenceline may be an indication of a more
serious and.constant threat. tothe health of neighbors and workers than its release
in the fire.
Regardless of the MTBE issue, the other serious issue is all the other toxic air
pollution which includes many hydrocarbon compounds known to be released by
Shell. .Exposure to a "toxic soup of chemicals added together even in small
quantities may cause significant health problems for neighbors, especially the
children, elderly, and those with pre-existing health problems. Many downwind
neighbors of Shell in the Vine Hill area have existing respiratory problems such as
asthma. -
Many community people spoke at the meeting and the following are
important points.that were brought out.
I. Oily soot and undetermined materials did fall on nearby neighbors of Shell in the
incorporated areas, despite claims by Shell and agencies-to the contrary. Neighbors
;who lived on Goree Court, Cabrillo Drive, and.in the Pacheco Boulevard'confirmed
this at the meeting.
2. Strong chemical odors were detected by many people along Pacheco and
throughout Vine Hill area, despite claims that no toxics were released,in the fire.
5. RECEIVED
'APR ! 6 X96
CLERK BOARD OF SUPE RS
CONTRA COSTA CO.
Report to the Contra Costa County Supervisors on Community Meeting
of April 9,1996 Regarding the Shell Fire and Explosion of April 1, 1996.
3. 'Many people evacuated on their own fearing for their safety when.theyheard no
siren, got-no phone call from CAN, or could not obtain information from Shell or
agencies. They.were interested in what kind of evacuation procedures are in place .
or whether they are expected to just hope for the best:
4. The warning siren may NOT have been audible-even if it had been used, because
of the extremely loud "whooshing sound" of materials escaping through the 16
major pipelines that ruptured as a result of the explosion, according to a neighbor.
5. The warning siren should be sounded immediately during an event such as the
April 1 fire. .During an.accident like April 1;it will-not be immediately known if the
entire facility may be involved in a "chain reaction accident" or if serious harm will
come to neighbors until the incident is brought under control. Most heard got all
their information from-the media and even relatives who called from as far away as
Chicago to tell them to shelter in place and see if their families were OK.
CBE made the following recommendations based on related solutions that have
been implemented in' other refinery communities:
1. SAFETY AUDITS & ANALYSES WITH COMMUNITY/UNION &
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS IN CHARGE. (UNOCAL)
2. COMMUNITY INDEPENDENT EXPERTS AT COMPANY EXPENSE FOR
SAFETY STUDIES. (GENERAL CHEMICAL)
3. ., COMMUNITY TECHNICAL ADVISOR ON ONGOING BASIS AT SHELL.
(PACIFIC REFINERY)
4. NEW HIGH TECH FENCELINE MONITORS THAT IDENTIFY SPECIFIC
CHEMICALS AND SURROUND THE PLANT. (UNOCAL),
5. COMMUNITY "BUCKET BRIGADE" TO SAMPLE THE AIR DURING
CHEMICAL RELEASES. (UNOCAL)
CBE and CSE of Martinez look forward.to working with.the County in resolving.
these issues and implementing real change with regard to Shell Oil.
2
Report to the'Contra Costa County Supervisors.on Community Meeting y- A,4 0
of April 9, 1996 Regarding the Shell Fire and Explosion of April 1, 1996.
"Over 250 people attended a Community.Meeting on the most recent fire and
explosion at the Shell Refinery sponsored by the local Martinez group Communities
for a SAFE Environment and Communities for a BETTER Environment on April 9,
1996. Results of independent air samples taken during the fire and chemical.release
by Martinez residents were explained: Copies of a "Community Right to Know
Report" detailing the over 35 toxic chemicals detected in the air were distributed to .
the,public. The report included a review by UCLA Medical Doctor James Dahlgren
that concluded that the toxics detected in the air "represent a chemical hazard" both
from the multiple number of chemicals acting together, and the levels of Shell's
clean fuels additive MTBE.
Although MTBE may not have been involved in the actual fire, Shell stores
and uses huge quantities of MTBE in tanks and equipment,that leak significant
amounts into the air on a routine basis. The detection of harmful levels of MTBE in
the air from sampling done on or near'its fenceline may be an indication of a more
serious and constant threat to the health of neighbors and workers than its release
in the fire.
Regardless of the MTBE issue, the other serious issue is all,the other toxicair
pollution which includes many hydrocarbon compounds known to be released by
Shell. Exposure to a "toxic soup".of chemicals added together even in small
quantities may cause significant health problems for neighbors,.especially the
children, elderly, and those with pre=existing health problems. 'Many downwind
neighbors of Shell in the Vine Hill area have existing respiratory problems such as
asthma.
Many community people spoke at the meeting and the following are
important points that were brought out.
1. Oily,soot and undetermined materials did fall on nearby neighbors of Shell in the
incorporated areas, despite claims by Shell and agencies to the contrary. Neighbors
who lived on Goree Court, Cabrillo Drive, and in the.Pacheco Boulevard confirmed
this,at the meeting.
2." Strong chemical odors were detected bymany people along Pacheco-and
throughout Vine Hill area, despite claims that no toxics were released in the fire.
RECEIVED
APR 1996
Cl.ERIC 80ARD OF SUPERVISORS
CONTRA COSTA CO.
Report to the Contra Costa County Supervisors on Community Meeting
of April 9, 1996 Regarding,the Shell Fire and Explosion of April 1, 1996.
'3. Many people evacuated on their own fearing for their safety when.they heard no
siren, got no phone call from CAN, or could not obtain information from Shell or
agencies. They were interested in what.kind of evacuation procedures are in. place .
or whether they are expected to just hope for the best."
4. The warning siren may NOT have been audible even if it had been used, because
of the extremely loud "whooshing sound" of materials escaping through the 16
major pipelines that ruptured as a result of the explosion, according to a neighbor.
5. The warning siren should be sounded immediately during an event such as.the
April 1 fire. During an accident like April 1;it will not be immediately known if the
entire facility may be involved in a "chain reaction accident" or if serious.harm will
come to neighbors until the incident is brought under control. Most heard got all-
their information from the media and even relatives who called from as far away as
Chicago to tell them to shelter in place and see if their families were.OK.
CBE made the following recommendations based on related solutions that have
been implemented in other refinery communities:
1. SAFETY AUDITS & ANALYSES WITH COMMUNITY/UNION &
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS IN CHARGE. (UNOCAL)
2. COMMUNITY INDEPENDENT EXPERTS AT COMPANY EXPENSE FOR
SAFETY STUDIES. (GENERAL CHEMICAL)
.3. COMMUNITY TECHNICAL ADVISOR ON ONGOING BASIS AT SHELL.
(PACIFIC REFINERY)
4. NEW.HIGH TECH FENCELINE MONITORS THAT IDENTIFY SPECIFIC
CHEMICALS AND SURROUND THE PLANT. (UNOCAL) ' ,
5. COMMUNITY 'BUCKET BRIGADE" TO SAMPLE THE AIR DURING
CHEMICAL RELEASES. (UNOCAL)
CBE and CSE of Martinez look forward to working with the County in resolving
these issues and implementing real change with regard to Shell Oil.
2
607W X14
SHELL REFINERY EXPLOSION AND FIRE
WHY WAS INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY?
• The County Department of Health Services Hazardous Materials Division
is responsible for providing information about protective action during a
hazardous materials accident. A
• Why did approximately one hour elapse before the public was told to
"avoid breathing the smoke"?. After one hour, the CAN system was
activated and the information was finally on TV and radio.
• Health Department says that the phone (CAN) system is to be used only
for shelter-in-place alerts. Why then did they use the CAN system for
warning residents to "avoid breathing the smoke" during the Tosco fire
on 6/9/95 and the UNOCAL tank fire on 6/16/95; and they used CAN to
inform citizens of a missing child in Danville and a jail escapee in the
Marsh creek area in 3/94? Note: the system was activated within 10
minutes of the Tosco fire.
• Shelter-in-place (SHELTER-SHUT-LISTEN) should have been ordered
for the community during this event. Oil was depositing on people's
home which means that it was in the air, .this .could have had health
consequences for individuals with respiratory ailments.
• The Health Department has been inconsistent in their emergency
planning and response to hazardous materials*incidents. The Board
should demand an independent (not internal) audit with community
representation and oversight of the County emergency planning and
response to these events. This audit should also examine reorganizing
the hazardous materials division into more appropriate locations such as
hazardous materials response teams in the Contra Costa Fire department
and hazardous materials emergency planning in the Office of Emergency
Services (where all other emergency responses are planned).
RECEIVED
Y:
APR 1619
To: Tracy Hein-Silva, Senior Emergency Planner April 2, 1996
Health Services Department
646-2073 fax -
Fr: Sabiha Gokeen, Central County Community Representative
Community Notification Advisory Board
229-5737 fax
Re: Time to notify community of protective action during Shell fire on 4/1/96
Dear Tracy,
I am very concerned about the amount of time it took last night before the
community was finally directed to "avoid breathing the smoke". It was nearly an
hour before the Health department issued that protective action to the community.
The reason given on the news for the delay was that it took the department that
long to determine what protective action was necessary. As the person appointed
to represent the citizens impacted by last night's fire, I am writing to inform you
that this is unacceptable. One hour is simply too long for the community to wait
for instructions on how to protect themselves. It was clear tome that people felt
that emergency officials had overlooked informing the public.
I am gravely concerned that if after one hour the Health department had
determined that shelter-in-place w-as _necessary, what would the Health
department have directed people to do? They were all outside watching the fire
with their houses wide open.' This means that the air inside the house would now
be contaminated with the outside air. Since shelter-in-place is supposed to be the
protective action to avoid the outside air, the question remains, what would the
Health department now tell people to do? Evacuate? Or shelter-in-place in a
facility with contaminated air?
The issue must be addressed immediately. In the future, if the Health
Department needs time to assess the situation, then precautionary shelter-in-
place should be ordered immediately while this assessment is performed. After
the alert has been implemented, the Health Department can always issue updates
regarding the status of community action necessary.
In addition, I have received calls from' people that the CAN system was
hanging up on them before completing the message. I have given those
individuals your phone number.
Best, Regards,
Sabiha A. Gokcen
cc: Dr. William Walker, Director Health Services Dept.
Dr. Jeff Smith, Chair, Board of Supervisors
Jim Rogers, Board of Supervisors District I
Gayle Bishop, Board of Supervisors District III
Mark DeSaulnier, Board of Supervisors District IV
Tom Torlakson, Board of Supervisors District V
Mayor Michael Menesin', City of Martinez
Contra Costa County
Health Services Department
April 3, 1996
t
Sabiha Gokcen
Community Notification Advisory Board
2047 Olympic Drive
Martinez, CA 94553
Dear Sabiha:
I'm writing in response to your faxed memo of yesterday regarding community notification
during the Shell fire April 1st. Thank you for taking the time to detail your concerns as
community representative on the Advisory Board. We review our response after each incident,
and this topic will be part of that discussion.
When the Community Notification Network was put together by CAER in 1991,the sole purpose
of contracting with Community Alert Network(CAN),as relates to hazardous materials incidents,
was to tell people to Shelter-In-Place. No use was then planned other than when Shelter-In-Place
was necessary. For incidents that are "sensible" -- visible, loud, or odorous -- but not a threat
to the public's health and safety, the media would be used to get out information.
As I know you are aware, our office is very near to Shell, and downwind on Monday night.
Some of our Incident Response Team were in the building working when the explosion occurred.
They initiated our response procedure, calling in other HSD staff, and determined at the outset
of the incident that there was no indication that Shelter-In-Place was necessary.
As a precaution, we put CAN on alert. This is fairly standard procedure while more information
is being gathered. We also immediately notified K.A.T.D. the situation was being assessed and
the people downwind should stay indoors as a precaution until we had more information. Shortly
after, we contacted Bay Cities News, a news service for other major media outlets in the area.
About an hour after the explosion, after our staff had been at the scene, in the surrounding
neighborhoods (including Clyde), and had conferred with other emergency responders and Shell
staff about the situation, we decided to use CAN beyond its original purpose to give people
directly downwind a basic informational message.
That use is in line with the planned expansion of our use of CAN once the Community Warning
System is fully operational. We will then use the sirens to signal "Shelter-In-Place" and use CAN
in additional situations, when sirens are not needed, to give people information about an incident
and any protective measures. By that time we expect CAN to have all unlisted phone numbers -
- about half the households in the County. The Community Warning System will further enhance
our ability to get information out to the public because incident scenarios will be established in
4333 Pacheco Boulevard - Martinez, California 94553 - (510) 646-2212
the.system prior to an event occurring. Some of the notification decision making will thus be
done in advance, speeding information getting out to the public.
I have reported to CAN that you had heard that the CAN system was hanging up before
completing the message. From the information they have,there is nothing that substantiates these
reports. Would you provide me with the phone numbers of thbse people who expressed this
concern so we can investigate this further? Thank you.
I am always ready to respond to any of your concerns in writing, but want to be sure to
emphasize that you are most welcome to phone me directly at any time, especially since we have
worked together on community warning issues for several years.
Very truly yours.
Tracy Hein-Silva
cc: William Walker, M.D.
Members of the Board of Supervisors
Michael Menesini, Mayor, City of Martinez
tA
Community' alert system worked
By TRACY HEIN-SILVA �Wv "71(9� CAN beyond its original purpose to give people directl
In the wake of an April l fire at the Shell refine the downwind a basic informational message that there wu
refinery, a fire at Shell and to avoid the smoke.This occurred ai
county Health Services Department has been criti- ter our staff had visited the scene and checked the suw
cized by Martinez residents and the Times about the rounding areas,including Clyde and Concord,for smoke
decision to make only limited use of the Community They also had conferred with other emergency respor
Alert Network phone calling system. ders and Shell officials.
We have taken these concerns seriously and have That is in line with the planned expansion of use c
closely reviewed our decision and what we might do dif- the alert network, when the new Community Warnin
ferently in the future. System becomes fully operational this summer.The Con
When the integrated Community Notification Net- munity Warning System will include the Community Ale!
work was formed by the Community Awareness Emer- Network; sirens; automatic and simultaneous links wit
gency Response group.in 1991,the sole purpose of con- television,radio,and newspapers;and"emergency ale:
tracting with the Community'Alert Network for receivers" at schools, hospitals, and other sites whet
hazardous materials incidents was to tell people to stay people may be particularly vulnerable in an emergenc.
sheltered where they are.
No use was then planned other than when Shelter- When that system is up and running,we will use sirer.
In-Place protective action was necessary. For incidents to signal Shelter-I il and only for that purpos
that are visible,loud,or odorous,but not a threat to the While the alert nett Place work will be used when Shelter-Ir
public's health and safety, we would use the media to Place is called for,we also will also use it sometimes whe
get out information. Shelter-In-Place is not needed to give people informatio
When the explosion and fire occurred at Shell shortly about an incident and any protective measures.
before 7 p.m.,members of our Hazardous Materials In- By then we expect CAN to include all phone number
cident Response Team felt it in our office about a quar- that are unlisted or for which the address is unlisted-
ter mile downwind from the Shell refinery.They imme- about half the households in the county.The Communis
diately initiated our response procedure. Warning System will further enhance our ability to g(
They called in other health department staff,and de- information out to the public because mock incident sci
termined at the outset of the incident that Shelter-In- narios will be established in the system prior to an ever,
Place was not necessary. Smoke from the fire was ris- Some of the notification decision-making will the
ing far up in the air over the area rather than coming be done in advance,speeding information to the publi(
near the ground. The Community Alert Network did not fail on Apr
No odor was present that would indicate even low 1.In fact,this incident reinforced our decision to use
amounts of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide in the air for broader purposes beginning this summer, as res
These are the acutely hazardous materials that would dents and the Times have suggested.
typically be associated with a refinery fire.
Two of our staff were at the Shell plant within min- Hein-Silva is senior emergency planning coordinator f<
utes of the explosion, and others went into the sur- the Contra Costa County Health Services Departme?
rounding neighborhoods. and member of the Community Notification Advisor
About an hour after the explosion,we decided to use Board.
} 14'i
cptanFlreaTosoOCt' m
ate,Tosco Ptal
officals to alert Clyde a m x
t ,� . a « m
FROM PAGE
1A resMents to stay indoors. >_;. ;�C ,,� ,o.y`°,•. ae+ \0
shone alert said theythought the
ystem worked welSFr { • t "° « .' :' m p .
'I came outside to water the flow-'-' a F
ers and I saw the smoke,'said Tess <Hwy ) u ' o q a o G>~d W d
Wolf who lives on Norman Avenue Oscoo :. ��!! r -.;x
in Clyde.'I went back inside,and
the recorded (warning) message v« m m w w U c° x�,� d o e
r 't :'� o a—.p lv ail o. m of ca 0•" ,�.
came on the phone.Within 45 mur Solara - , o �, '_ d m h t3 H. 3 w
Utes it was out.They seemed on top a AA,, 'Z as B 3 m o $ o E
of it.* y S` r. f Ei o 3N 4 a G sF�+��m m si'awl d
Hein-Sitva said the fire burned soo _ ,E w
hotly,the smoke rose high in the air v
r� gar r aX i'y a«o ' E S
and did not pose an acute healthZi ` i r „ Q ' U
risk Na one had.relwrted any res-
re N c.,,.. _. __. --
piratory problems,she said. :r,, d
Saltzman said the cause of the f:!�.f 2 miles Fo c
fire was not immediately known, but
an investigation is under way.The xhNi u.NsoNlrw*
t fire started in a feed-prep unit that `11ir11 T ora
syl spokesman for the
,
takes the heavy oil,about as thick Bay Mea Air Quality Management
as asphalt,and heats it to refine District said it had received about
gasoline,
refine hadiesel s several processors
complaints by 5 p.m.Friday. U.
refinery p
and is continuing to operate. -Mll prebably be getting the fall- W
Saltzman said the fire had noth- out complaints later on because
ing to do with recent job cuts.Last they're likely to be over a large � ,p
month,Tosco announced it would to area N
cut 114 managers through attrition,
layoffs and voluntary separation.A Staff j writers Joan Morris,Xathleen o
contract with union employees will'..Maclay,Ann Griffith and Wilily �n_ ._. -_
expireJune 26. .-Morris contributed to this story.
CJ TWO SPILLS AND ACCIDENTS
June 1995:Afire starts in a Navy oil processor,prompting a wam- t o
ing for Clyde residents to stay indoors if smoke touches down. a
Oc6ber 1993:Oleurn acid fumes seep from pipes repaired after : 'a
leaks three years earlier. ID
June 1993: Butahe;'propane'and hydrogen sulfide from a tank CD
spew fumes over Concord,Pittsburg,Antioch and Oakley.Residents
complain of headaches, and eye and throat irritation. Regulators y
blame human error and poor equipment design. is
March 1993:A minor butane leak occurs,causing a brown cloud
of unburned hydrocarbons but no health problems, 0
December 1992:A flare releasing a nauseating odor irritates resi r.
dents in Concord. O
January 1992: Spill of 79,548 gallons of diesel fuel into refinery cCo
containment ditches.Tosco says the cause was operator error.Tosco m
agrees to pay a$20,000 penalty to the county for allegedly failing to
report the spill.
December 1990: Spill of approximately 265,000 gallons of oil. m
Tosco blames spill on failure of gauge to measure tank's diesel oil. r
November 1990:Tosco is cited for 119 workplace violations—10
serious—discovered in a plant investigation during the year.The fine le
is$10,165. O
September 1990:Tosco is fined by Cal-OSHA because a refinery 3
worker who died after falling from equipment wasn't wearing a safety m
belt. 3
w
U
w
Cr
LL
Hole in nozzle led to fire, Tosco sa s
Times staff
MARTINEZ —A smoky fire at The smoke was visible from miles away and
the Tosco oil refinery last Friday
started because of a hole in a metal spurred the county to activate its automatic
nozzle carrying hot,pressurized oil,
the company reported Wednesday phone dialing system
Exposing the hot fuel to air trig-
gered spontaneous combustion,the Clyde, however, county health offi- of metallurgists and other experts
company said. cials said continuing the investigation into the
Tosco officials did not say, how- "The temperature and pressure fire,which burned for about 50 min-
ever,-what caused the break of about of this stream are such that it is likely utes.
1 inch across in the channel nozzle that auto-ignition of the product oc- Lou Pascalli, head of the haz-
in a refining unit. curred upon exposure to the atmos- ardous material branch of the county
The smoke was visible from miles phere,"the report said."No external Department of Health Services,said
away and spurred the county to ac- source of ignition would have been his agency will continue to work with
tivate its automatic phone dialing necessary." Tosco officials to determine what
system to alert Clyde residents about Tosco spokeswoman Linda Saltz- caused the fire and whether it could
the fire.No harmful fumes reached man said the company has a team have been prevented._11y,
;pj;:a.:'yv`:•;;:•::: .. ���,..r,;!� R :,' .•.;fit ... .':t,:,,;;: �;_.._..;.i.,'t'..::>: •1K3`..y2 i;t�ijj'
:4K',
Bl Unocal fire
g
reportedly not
Sunday,June 18,INS
West CountyTimes–3/
dangerous lows""
Revenue Service audit found that the California
B CHUCK SQUATRIGLIA AnconalInternal Re
By National Guard failed to collect taxes on more than$770,000
s'"tt w"t� in severance pay given to about two dozen former members.
oil!I?ODEO—A fire at the Unocal WLonder of wonder. The records show they could be assessed back taxes.-12A :
- Friday afternoon sent up for diefirst time At O
a column of smoke visible for miles kaae ax ,,,sur; „t : .�, *sea ' • ,•r<=
but posed little health risk,county five we were
and community health officials said.
Authorities and residents praised notified
j the forrto and informal systems de-
signed to warn citizens of just such —Jane Adaml
Refinery fire
1 an emergency.
"Word's getting around quickly said Jane Adams,whose husbani
this time,"said Pattie Young,who •
works at Crockett's Good Neighbor Howard,serves on Unocal's com
Clinic,created to treat those injured munity advisory panel. toodors 1mget
by a Unocal chemical release last Young said a patient notified the
September. Good Neighbor Clinic at 3:15 p.mt
Unocal spokeswoman Karen The clinic began notifying patient;
homers said the fire started at fled by telephone,warning them to re; �����
pm.as maintenance crews installed main inside and close their witxknvsanew roof seal on a tank at the Unocal officials notified the clinic a1oyer next
k northeast corner of the refinery. about 4:15 p.m.,she said.
The tank contained about 19,500 Adams said an informal network By MARTHA ROSS Dow.Other callers complained ab
barrels of water and 3,000 barrels of of friends calling friends is the bestst,r M,;tef chemical odors.
naphtha,a byproduct of the gasoline way to notify people of disasters. The odors will be present for
refining process.Although naphtha RODEO—For the next week, next few da s because that's 1.
contains the toxic chemical benzene, "Without all the community be residents around the Unocal oil re y
community and county health nffi_ ing in an uproar,I don't think we'd finery should expect to smell chem- long it will take to safely drain
cials said there was little health risk know about any of this sluff,"Adana ical odors coming from the tank that remaining chemical in the tank n
from the fire. said. caught fire Friday,refinery officials Interstate 80,Rogers said.
ontai
'thick,black smoke rose from the 'that uproar was created by a 16.said Saturday Before the fire,the tank water
tank near Interstate 80.The smoke day chemical release from Unocal The odors,described by one res- about barrels barrels of water
drifted north toward the Carquinez last summer.The refinery has been ident as a combination of rotten eggs 3 000��li of Waiting a
Strait as firefighters gained control criticized for failing to warn resi- and gasoline,will be a nuisance,but of the gasoline refining process
napth
of the fire shortly before G p.m. dents, and dozens of people still officials don't expect them to pose though l bent noncoms the t,
'I'he cause remains under inves- complain of lingering illnesses. much health risk, said Unocal chemical benzene,community
county health officials said there
tigatiou,Unocal officials said. But not everyone received word spokeswoman Karen Rogers. little health risk from the fire.
However,Unocal is willing to help
tlnoc;d notified county officials of Friday's fire as quickly as they a for residents to move tem- Rogers said people who ext
of the lire at 3:20 p.m.Authorities would have liked. Mel Gomez of pay ence symptoms of chemical e:
used the Community Alet1 Network Crockett said authorities at the porarily if their physicians feel they
to warn shout 400 residents of C}ockett-Carquinez Fire Department are especially sensitive to the odors, t�act should nal' their
24 hour n t:
'tarmcy and Crockett h,remain in- told him the smoke came from a said Mary McDaniel,manager of en. 245 9070.
side and avoid the smoke,said'IYac.'y grass fire.I le Teamed the truth when vironmental and community medi-tonin Silva, spokeswoman for the his rooutmate arrived home. cine at Unocal.Those complaints will Residents can also use the
ruunty I le;dth Scnices Dep:uvuen, be evaluated by Unocal on a case- line to report odors. As wog
'"We gut no information,"Gomez by-case basis,McDaniel said. drain the tank,Unocal indust iii,
the:dert network is a computer- ,,,iJ. \Vint if this was a big emer- ienists will measure the Iev.
izcd telephone system that makes g The Good Neighbor Clinic in g
up to Ulm calk a minute w yuickly g ncy Crockett received about a dozen calls chemicals in the air around the
,vain residents of emergencies. Unable to reach the Fire Depart- Saturday from people who corn
and in the community,Rogers
"we're still evaluating, hilt my ment, he called a Unocal hotline, plained of trouble breathing,watery To minimize odors,Unocal v
itiong feeling is it worked fine and which carried a message from ear- eyes,irritated throats and children ers spread a layer of foam ove
2ftectively,"Hein-Silva said. her in the day warning people of a with rashes,said nurse Ramona Mc- tank.
Residents who have complained Vehicle fire at the refinery. -----
,f (wing kept in ilic dark during "1 hope nobody has to die before
.anrrgencic•s said they Fete pleased everyone gets their act together,"he
ho.t %vete u,ld of the fire,cithcr h0mn said.
he county,the relinery or friends. —___-- --- -
"Wonder of wonders,for the first Slafjrvrilers Rab Shea and M,Iie
into in our lives we were notified," Wong contributed to this stray.