Valero refinery emitting smoke from flue gas scrubber stack Sunday morning

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is on scene this morning at the Valero Refinery in Benicia investigating the heavy smoke being emitted from the flue gas scrubber stack at the facility. Valero has been experiencing an upset at the facility this week. Smoke from the facility has increased and is blowing over the city of Benicia and may shift throughout the day. The smoke is visible in the area. Air District inspectors are on-scene this morning investigating the cause of the heavy smoke. Air District inspectors have been on scene this past week and have issued seven Notice of Violations for excess visible emissions and public nuisance. The Air District has deployed a mobile monitoring van which will drive throughout Benicia to gather ground level emissions data.

Smoke and particulates can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.