explosion also launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment, failure to follow safety guidelines was partly to blame for the blast. Numerous nearby residents complained about the air quality following the blast. Refinery officials, though, say MHF was specifically designed to be safer than its non-modified original hydrofluoric acid and has been reviewed by experts and deemed the best catalyst for the refining process. The latest salvo in the battle over MHF came last month, when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors called for a ban on the highly toxic chemical. Gen. Xavier Becerras office investigate how the Torrance and Wilmington refineries are able to legally operate using hydrofluoric acid. Torrance Refinery cited for failing to properly maintain equipment At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. Hours after an explosion ripped through a Torrance refinery, residents for miles around continue to grapple with ash, a gas odor and concerns over poor air quality while inspectors confirmed that a filtration device was the source of the blast. North Torrance resident Daphne Wong, her husband, Eng, and their three children, ages 5 to 9, all walked to the refinery together despite the rain. Bontas office said it hadnt received a letter from the county. All rights reserved. As a result, unraveling the debates complexities remains challenging. Environmentalists and concerned residents say MHF could prove catastrophic if the chemical were to escape, pointing to its corrosivity and studies that show its ability to travel beyond a refinerys footprint. Lieu commended the AQMD for its proposal to phase out the use of modified hydrofluoric acid at the plant, one of only two refineries in California to rely on MHF. TORRANCE TODAY - FEBRUARY 16, 2023 - City of Torrance Fire erupts at Torrance refinery just hours before protest rally The refinery, where about 155,000 barrels of crude oil are processed each day, has been part of the South Bay landscape since the 1920s. The large turnout surprised even the diverse group of participants unaccustomed to seeing such political activism in a conservative community. The ExxonMobil Explosion That Nobody Is Talking About 4.3 earthquake strikes near LA, Internet asks 'why did it - MEAWW Three of them were taken to a nearby hospital, authorities said, after earlier indicating all four had been transported. CSB Releases Final Report into 2015 Explosion at ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California, Drivers of Critical Chemical Safety Change, Process Safety Management for the 21st Century, Emergency Planning and Response (Preparedness), Website design & development by Americaneagle.com. However, our staff is working remotely and can assist you via phone or email. PUBLISHED: February 18, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. | UPDATED: February 18, 2023 at 8:01 a.m. It's been eight years since a massive explosion at the Torrance Refinery shook the South Bay with the blast. Times staff writer Tony Barboza contributed to this report. Another fire? Explosion Rocks ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California. The state could potentially lose thousands of jobs, and it could result in higher gasoline prices at the pump for California residents, businesses, and government, Californians for a Sustainable Economy an association representing hundreds of local businesses wrote in opposition to the ban. The explosion also spurred a movement among residents to oppose MHF. Redondo Beach Local News. When released, the chemical can form a deadly, ground-hugging cloud that, in the event of a major leak, could have caused serious injury or death to many community members, according to the agency. ET), but there was no . Investigators were trying to determine the cause of the blast, which occurred shortly before 9 a.m. PST . Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Workers were seen boarded up the windows of the affected apartments later Sunday afternoon. Torrance fire Capt. Its unclear what effect these new calls to action will have on the refineries MHF usage. If that was the case, we wouldnt have seen another explosion today, she added. Advocates renew call for MHF ban on 8th anniversary of Torrance The 2015 explosion, according to the CSB, caused the refinery to run at limited capacity for more than a year and raised gas prices in California costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4. The CSBs report concludes that the unit was operating without proper procedures.. Notably absent from the event was any sign of Torrance elected officials, although police officers in several patrol cars discreetly kept their eye on the peaceful protesters from a distance. "You could feel it," said refinery worker Jason Hernandez. The latest fire in an ongoing series of mishaps including leaks, excessive flaring and power outages that have plagued the refinery in recent months added fuel to the arguments of opponents that the plant is a safety and environmental hazard. ExxonMobil was fined more than $500 million for workplace violations related to the blast. Four apartments have been damaged, two of which sustained "significant damage.". For decades, hydrofluoric acid was a standard chemical in oil refining, serving as a catalyst during a process known as alkylation. No injuries were reported and there were no evacuations. We are very proud of the many technical advances we have added to our Alkylation Unit over the years, the refinery says on its website, which is additional proof of our continuing commitment to safe, reliable operations.. First published on April 8, 2018 / 2:50 PM. But we had no idea about the danger.. With the addition of these voluntary safety enhancements and other obligations completed and operating, we have fulfilled our obligation to further protect Refinery personnel and the community, Lafayette said. PBF, for its part, has repeatedly said concerns from local groups against MHF were unwarranted. 4 Injured in Possible Gas Explosion at Torrance Apartment - KTLA Overturned gas tanker explodes, killing 1 person, Texas mom in custody after 5 of her kids were stabbed, leaving 3 dead, Ja Morant says he'll get help after video shows apparent gun. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. And the incident was avoidable, CSB said: Mismanagement and improper safety protocols put in place by then-owner ExxonMobil who sold the refinery to PBF Energy shortly after the incident made the explosion likely. Additional locations: Dallas, TX | Midland, TX | Odessa, TX | Louisiana, Plant Explosion Lawyer Refinery & Pipeline, Railroad Crossing Accidents and Train Accidents, Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act. In February, a large explosion occurred at ExxonMobils refinery in Torrance, California. The explosion filled surrounding neighborhoods with ash, fiberglass, and glass wool. The 2015 explosion at the Torrance Refinery was bad, but it easily could have been catastrophic, Hahn said in a press release. Cal/OSHA has shut down the fluid catalytic cracker and will only allow operations to resume once it can be exhibited that the unit can operate safely. Some community members do not believe that the company did not enough to respond to the emergency. U.S. Chemical Safety Board. "Emergency procedures have been activated to address the incident, and employees are working with the appropriate agencies," a statement by the ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Best coffee city in the world? The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for any areas where residents can see or smell smoke. The decision by the board came one week after the two refineries sent letters offering to install improved safety systems in the coming years if regulators ended their pursuit of new rules for the chemical. Tests have shown that MHF, which Torrance has used since 1997, rapidly expands upon release and can travel at lethal concentrations up to two miles, according to a presentation from AQMD staff. Explosion at Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, injures four The refinery relied on safeguards that could not be verified, and re-used a previous procedure deviation without a sufficient hazard analysis of the current process conditions. The blast caused serious property damage to the refinery and scattered catalyst dust up to a mile away from the facility into the nearby community. Alex Wigglesworth is an environment reporter who covers wildfires for the Los Angeles Times. Theyre going to pass it on to the consumer.. The fire, possibly triggered by an explosion that has not yet been confirmed, was reported at 6 a.m. Saturday in the plant's crude oil unit, said Torrance Assistant Fire Chief Steve Treskes. For a breakdown of the fees and expenses associated with the verdicts and settlements listed on our site, please visit our Results page. Explosion Rocks ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California - NBC News On a day when activists marked the two-year anniversary of an explosion that rocked the then-ExxonMobil refinery and showered neighborhoods with industrial debris, another fire erupted at the troubled Torrance plant early Saturday. April 8, 2018 / 2:50 PM / KCAL News. "I just appreciate that I'm here. God may not warn us again.. Congresswoman Maxine Waters and I requested the U.S. Chemical Safety Board to investigate the explosion two years ago, Lieu said in the statement. Prior to joining the Press-Telegram, she served as the Daily Breeze's lead city hall reporter. They claim nothing has been done, she added, without any proof, other than their beliefs, which are incorrect and misleading.. When you think about it, she said, it makes you not want to sleep at night.. The cause of the fire, which Millea said burned an unspecified amount of crude oil, is under scrutiny by investigators from Cal-OSHA, the states worker safety agency, while a county hazardous materials team also was on the scene. A smoke advisory was issued for areas near the ExxonMobil refinery due to Wednesday morning's explosion and fire. TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Torrance Police Department issued an alert for the city, notifying them that the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery had an explosion and fire early Saturday morning. Officials were not aware of their exact conditions, but witnesses said some were seriously hurt. This explosion and near miss should not have happened, and likely would not have happened, had a more robust process safety management system been in place, then-CSB Chairwoman Vanessa Allen Sutherland said in a statement at the time. Edited by Rachel Barnes. All rights reserved, Los Angeles County Holds Stable COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate, Tax Deadlines Extended to October for Most Californians Due to Storms, Check Your Pockets: These Coins Can Be Worth Up To $24,000, Glendale Neighborhood Frustrated After an Illegal Hostel Moves In, Road Rage Incident Kicks Off Pursuit, Carjacking, and Weapon Fired Out Window in Wild Chase, NASA Images Show Southern California Mountains Before and After Winter Storm. The governors office confirmed they received the request, but declined further comment. A five-story processing unit had burst open, spewing industrial ash over a mile away that some mistook for snow and propelling a 40-ton hunk of equipment into the air. Caltech officials said the explosion created ground shaking that was equivalent to a magnitude-1.7 earthquake. The AQMD scrapped the potential ban in 2019 instead accepting proffers from both refineries that promised to make safety enhancements to their existing MHF units. Since then, at least one leak of hydrofluoric acid and several fires have prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to propose a ban on hydrofluoric acid. Activists carried signs reading Congratulations PBF, zero days explosion free and All lives matter while chanting Hey, hey, ho, ho, MHF has got to go. Some said the turnout demonstrates the series of refinery disruptions has reached a crisis point. The refinery completed those improvements in 2020. ExxonMobil said in a statement early Wednesday afternoon that "no harmful emissions have been detected.". Blast Blamed on Gas Buildup - Los Angeles Times 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. But at least for now, environmentalists and the refineries remain entrenched in their positions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The battle over a highly toxic chemical used in oil refining recently received a fresh jolt, seven years after the substance became a regional cause celebre in the wake of an explosion that rocked the Torrance Refinery. In 2004, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said much the same in an environmental analysis the agency did when Valero introduced MHF at its Wilmington refinery. Had we known then what we know now, Cliff Heise said, we wouldve run, not walked home.. By then, the husband said, theyd been living in the city long enough to know exactly what the sound was. That failure ultimately allowed hydrocarbons to flow into the air side of the FCC, where they ignited in a piece of equipment called the electrostatic precipitator, or ESP, causing an explosion of the ESP. And it directs L.A. County to support any new legislation that would help phase out MHF. A group of activists on Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of an explosion at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance that injured four workers and prompted continuing concerns about the. TORRANCE An explosion and fire in a gasoline processing unit rocked the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance today, injuring three workers and sending flames and ash into the sky. The blast caused serious property damage to the refinery and scattered catalyst dust up to a mile away from the facility into the nearby community. In working with inherently dangerous products, it is critical to conduct a robust risk management analysis with the intent of continually safety improvement.. Ryan Zehl is the lawyer responsible for this website. The incident caused the refinery to be run at limited capacity for over a year, raising gas prices in California and costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4 billion. For more than seven years, members of small, local activist groups have been irresponsibly making claims against the Refinerys use of MHF, without any basis in fact, Lafayette wrote recently. The ExxonMobil near-disaster you probably haven't heard of Both the PBF and Valero refineries are situated in densely populated areas of the South Bay: About 245,000 people live within three miles of the Torrance refinery and another 153,000 live within that same distance of Valeros refinery, AQMD said. All Rights Reserved. Fill Out the Form Below for a Free Case Review with our Undefeated Personal Injury Lawyers. The bottom line is Torrance Refinery now has the most advanced safety systems of any HF Alkylation Unit in California, the U.S., and the world.. The issues to be discussed include A decision not to use the ExxonMobil emergency siren to alert the community to the explosion and subsequent ash and dust fallout.. The PBF Energy facility has been plagued with a series of incidents since the massive blast two years ago that almost caused a catastrophic release of highly toxic hydrofluoric acid that could have killed and injured thousands. Environmentalists and activists, though, argue that the additives levels in MHF have significantly decreased since the modified versions creation. At the center of that debate is the modified part of MHF. The Torrance refinery, according to its website, has made several improvements, including a leak-detection system, upgraded water monitors, 24/7 automated, continuously monitored unit cameras and an expanded water mitigation system. The AQMDs own reports warned that the ability of MHF to prevent formation of a vapor/aerosol cloud is highly uncertain and that a release of MHF will result in exposure to HF with the same health effects.. Firefighters found gasoline flowing on the ground as a result of the explosion, Torrance Fire Department Capt. Three dozen firefighters knocked down the blaze within a half-hour. Refineries are not supposed to have explosions. The building has been undergoing renovations for some time, and the victims are believed to be remodelers working in one of the involved units, neighbors said. ExxonMobil Refinery Explosion in Torrance, CA - Zehl & Associates There was a "large fire explosion" at the ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery in Southern California on Wednesday morning, according to the Torrance Police Department. Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on Saturday's fire: Federal investigators in January said a failure to follow safety guidelines was partly to blame for the blast and that the aftermath could have been "catastrophic" had the equipment hit the unit housing MHF.
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