Health advisory goes out to Martinez residents after suspected flaring at refinery

MARTINEZ — Officials in Contra Costa County issued a health advisory Friday after a strong chemical odor pierced the air, the latest in a series of flaring incidents that have rattled the communities around a cluster of refineries.

The alert, which was sent to residents through the county’s community warning system about 10:45 a.m., said the odor may be associated with flaring at the Martinez Refining Company.

A hazardous materials team was summoned, according to the alert. Officials said they have not determined the cause of the odor.

In the public health advisory, officials advised people with respiratory issues to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. They also recommended using a HEPA air filter.

Health officials said eye, skin, nose and throat irritation may happen for people in the affected area and that residents should rinse any irritated part of their body.

The advisory went out on a day that a Spare the Air alert already was in effect over the entire region because of dirty air conditions.

The Martinez Refining Company has been involved in a number of incidents over the past 13 months, beginning with one on Thanksgiving 2022, when a white powdery substance with higher-than-normal amounts of heavy metals that can cause breathing issues was emitted.

No other information was available immediately.

This is a developing report. Please check back for updates.