Refinery fires released hydrocarbons in the air

MARTINEZ – A massive fire that broke out in a refinery last month released more than 7,000 gallons of hydrocarbon materials in the air and required medical treatment for six workers, according to the 30 -day report sent by the company to managers of the Costa Contra Health Services.

The Martinez Refining Company published the report on social networks on Tuesday. They said they submitted it to the county officials on February 28.

The report indicates that the six workers in the refinery were evaluated by the medical staff and released. None of them went to the hospital.

In the report, the refinery said that he had estimated that 170 barrels – 7,140 gallons – hydrocarbons had been released in the February 1 fire. An explosion and fire were reported in the refinery around 1:30 p.m. while two workers were preparing to do planned maintenance on a process unit.

The fire caused an increase in gas prices in the bay region in the immediate follow -up.

The company indicated that the hydrocarbons released were light cat cracked distillates, distillates cracked with light cat; Cat intermediate distillates have cracked; Light thermal naphtha; and C3-C4 rich in isobutane.

According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to hydrocarbons can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

The MRC wrote that its best estimate indicated 30 combined barrels (1,260 gallons) of the light thermal naphta and the C3-C4 rich in isobutan; 20 combined barrels (840 gallons) of the cracked naphtha of the light cat and the cracked distillates of the light cat; and 120 barrels (5,040 gallons) intermediate intermediate cat distillates were released.

The company also said that they thought that diethanolamine was probably released due to a broken hose caused by the fire. This chemical is used in cosmetics, detergents and pharmaceutical products, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

A shot that was necessary for safety workers to respond to the unforeseen closure of the refinery also caused the release of more than 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide, the company said.

The refinery said that its operating units were still closed and that it still assesses the fire damage. They had no estimate at the time when the operating units would open again.

The report follows the 72 -hour initial report that the company published immediately after the fire. The MRC belongs to PBF Energy, Inc.