RICHMOND (KRON) — Officials with the Chevron refinery in Richmond said that visible flaring Tuesday morning was from normal refinery operations. Despite that, county health officers are warning residents that it could affect people with respiratory sensitivities.
At 10:55 a.m. Chevron officials called the Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Department letting them know they had an unexpected shut down of a unit. The shut-down resulted in a flaring and dark smoke.
According to refinery officials, the flaring had stopped by about 11:10 a.m.
The Contra Costa Community Warning System issued a Level 2 advisory, warning that the flaring could cause eye, skin, nose or throat irritation.
No shelter in place has been issued by the county, but county officials say that people in Richmond, North Richmond and San Pablo could be affected by the air quality.
Anyone experiencing any irritation has been advised to go inside and rinse the affected area with water, county emergency officials said.