Chevron Refinery in Richmond to implement prevention measures after diesel leak

Authorities with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and California Department of Fish and Wildlife have reached an agreement to settle their case against Richmond’s Chevron Refinery over a diesel water-mixture spill earlier this year.

The settlement will include injunctive relief that will mandate Chevron to implement various prevention and response measures, and undisclosed civil penalties for wildlife funds and enforcement costs. Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the settlement Friday through spokesman Ted Asregadoo.

The leak happened about 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 when approximately 757 gallons of a diesel water mixture leaked into the San Francisco Bay at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery Marine Terminal. A Dept. of Fish and Wildlife investigation found a small hole in the Richmond Long Wharf pipeline, Becton said.

The spillage went into the waters south of the Richmond Long Wharf to Cypress Point and north of the wharf to Point Molate.

“Corporations must be held strictly liable for any discharges of diesel into San Francisco Bay,” Becton said in a statement. “Chevron was cooperative with the investigation and agreed to specific provisions that will enhance their ability to prevent and mitigate unauthorized release of diesel in the future.”

The investigation identified the hazards in the Chevron system, Becton said, and there are measures in the agreement to address them. They include a more comprehensive pipeline inspection program, the piloting of a leak detection system, a detailed review of the existing systems, and improved training of its staff.