FAQ: Introduction

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

Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs hired a consultant to do public presentations explaining the requirements of the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance in preventing accidental releases from petroleum refineries and chemical plants. Many questions were asked 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 is the purpose of the Industrial Safety Ordinance?

Prevent accidental release of hazardous chemicals; improve accident prevention by soliciting participation from industry and the community; require industry to submit a Safety Plan; and conduct audits of the plans and inspections of the industrial plants.

I have never heard of the Industrial Safety Ordinance. Is it a new law?

Based on concerns expressed by the community, the Board of Supervisors implemented this Industrial Safety Ordinance in December 1998. The City of Richmond passed the Industrial Safety Ordinance in December 2000.

How many companies are under the Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO)?

There are six companies covered by the County and two covered by the City of Richmond.

What industrial sites are included in ISO?

The six industrial sites covered by the County's Industrial Safety Ordinance are ConocoPhillips Rodeo Refinery, Shell Oil Martinez Refinery, Air Products at Shell, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery east of Martinez, Air Products at Tesoro, and General Chemical in Bay Point. The two industrial sites covered by the City of Richmond Industrial Safety Ordinance are Chevron Richmond Refinery and General Chemical West Richmond Works.

What causes a company to be included in the ISO?

The County's ISO includes unincorporated parts of the County and must be a petroleum refinery or chemical facility. The City of Richmond's ISO requires that the company must be in the City of Richmond and must be a petroleum refinery or chemical facility.

Are there chemical facilities or petroleum refineries in the County that use or manufacture extremely hazardous chemicals that are not covered by the ISO?

Yes, the facilities are required to be in the unincorporated areas of the County or in the City of Richmond. The facilities also have to have listed chemicals above a listed quantity in a process and under worst-case situation impact the public. Some of the companies include Air Liquide in and Monsanto do not have the listed quantity of a listed chemical in a process. Rhodia and Shell Chemical are within the city limits of Martinez. HASA and Dow Chemical are in the city limits of Pittsburg. Criterion Catalyst, under a worst-case situation, does not impact the public.

Are gases the only hazardous material included in the ISO?

No, hazardous material can be in the form of solids or liquids.

Are tank trucks we see driving on the freeway and railroad tank cars covered by the ISO?

No, only the eight facilities mentioned above are included in the ISO.

What kinds of chemicals are covered by ISO?

If the industrial site is covered by the ISO all of the process units and hazardous chemicals handled within the units are covered by the ISO.

Where can I read the Safety Plans required by ISO?

Public library branches in Richmond, Crockett, Rodeo, Bay Point & Martinez contain the Safety Plans for the facilities nearest them;
Call the offices at the eight industrial plants;
County offices at 4333 Pacheco Blvd, Martinez. (Call 925-646-2286 first for an appointment).

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