December 16, 2022 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA03) led a letter to PBF Energy demanding information and cooperation with an investigation into the company’s subsidiary refinery in Martinez for an accidental release of hazardous materials into the community on Thanksgiving. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11) and Mike Thompson (D-CA05) and Contra County Supervisor Federal Glover (District 5) joined Garamendi in sending the letter to Thomas Nimbley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PBF Energy.

According to Contra Costa Health (CCH), the Martinez Refining Company accidentally released potentially hazardous materials into Martinez beginning at 9:30 pm on Thanksgiving and continuing into the early morning hours of Friday. Despite being required by law to notify CCH and the county's Community Warning System, health officials said they were not notified when the release took place. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is investigating the matter.

“While we await the results of a complete investigation, we are deeply concerned by the Martinez Refining Company’s reported failure to notify the relevant public health and safety officials including Contra Costa Health Services and the Contra Costa County Community Warning System. Moreover, we are concerned that this failure to notify local officials in a timely manner may demonstrate a lack of preparedness at the Martinez Refining Company and standing plan for when things go wrong, not if,” the individuals said in the letter.

“We expect your subordinary to cooperate fully with the Bay Area AQMD’s ongoing investigation and any by other regulators. In addition, we request that you conduct a thorough internal investigation into this incident, specifically your company’s policies for notifying local public health and safety officials of similar incidents in the future,” the individuals concluded.

The full letter can be read here.
Source: Congressman John Garamendi