FAQ: Accidental Releases and Emissions

Introduction | Accidental Releases and Emissions | Emergency Notification | Public Information | Other ISO Questions

Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs has hired a consultant to do public outreach on the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance. The consultant is doing presentations explaining the requirements of the ordinance in preventing accidental releases from petroleum refineries and chemical plants. Many questions arise during these presentations about the impacts from accidental releases and emissions, emergency notification, public information, and other topics. The following are some of the common questions that have been raised during the presentations and the answers to these questions.

What should I do if I smell odor from a chemical plant or refinery?

If odor is present, call Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) at 800-334-6367 or Contra Costa Health Services at 925-646-1112. If it is a chemical emergency or hazardous material emergency call 9-1-1. If you are calling after the event to obtain historical information, call 925-646-2286. If you are not satisfied with the response provided, call Michael Kent the County Hazardous Materials Ombudsman at 877-662-8376 or 925-313-6587.

Have there been any known releases?

Yes, there have been releases that have impacted the surrounding community.

I heard the siren from an incident that occurred. How can I find out what happened?

For historical information on what chemical was released, the extent of the release, the cause of a release or other historical information, call Randy Sawyer, the County Accidental Release Prevention Supervisor at 925-646-2879.

What if there is a very high concentration of extremely hazardous chemicals released into the community whereby the concentration inside a closed house becomes harmful?

The emergency response agencies will determine when it may not be prudent to continue to Shelter-in-Place. At this point, instructions will be given through television and radio, as well as by telephone, that an evacuation will occur, where to go, and the best route to take.

Some of our homes in the neighborhood are old and I have a concern about the protection provided. Does anyone evaluate old facilities for leakage?

Even though the residence may not be airtight, it is providing more protection than if you were outdoors. For very low income homeowners or for tenants, the County offers a weatherization program that will not only reduce your utility bills, it will also make your house more air tight, and thereby reduce the risk of a chemical release affecting the inhabitants. Betty Powell of the County can be contacted at 925-335-1116. In addition to the County program, PG&E has an Energy Partners program, which is free for low income persons, and they can be contacted at 800-933-9555.

Has the amount of air pollution from industrial sources been reduced over time?

Yes, in the 1970's Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) reduced sulfur dioxide permit limits at refineries from approximately 6,000 PPM down to under 200 PPM. Nitric oxide emissions were also significantly reduced. In the 1980's, BAAQMD set limits on non-traditional industries such as bakeries and dry cleaners. Vapor recovery systems were required on gasoline storage tanks in the 1990's. The BAAQMD has enacted many other control measures to reduce pollution.

There has been a concern that refineries are flaring gases continuously instead of just during emergencies. What are you doing to reduce emissions?

The BAAQMD has taken the lead on reducing emissions that come from flares. They recently adopted regulations requiring the refineries to measure the amount of flow that is going to the flares and the composition of these gases. They are currently drafting rules to control the use of flares.

Content provided by Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Programs of Contra Costa Health Services.