On Tuesday, March 26th there was a Torrance Alert saying: “Torrance Alerts: Public – Refinery Incident [Torrance Refining Company] ALL CLEAR Information from TFD” along with a link to the alert website (which has now expired).
Normally there is an alert issued when the incident begins, to warn people to avoid the area, but not in this case.
TRAA contacted the AQMD, who finally replied with the following explanation:
Thank you for reaching out. My staff responded to an incident at the
Torrance Refinery’s Alkylation Unit on the evening of March 26. At
the time of staff’s arrival, there were no closures at Crenshaw
Blvd. We were advised by TRC operators that a laser path sensor
detected a minor MHF leak. An isobutane leak with suspected trace
amounts of MHF in the feed occurred at a flange in the Alkylation
Unit. Our staff observed discoloration at the flange and did not
observe any other evidence inside the Alkylation Unit that would
demonstrate additional leaks or unusual activity. The affected flange
was removed from service for repairs. No point sensors or fenceline
monitors detected the leak. Torrance Fire Department responded to
this incident, but LA County Hazmat did not respond. I hope this
addresses your concerns. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Sincerely,
Kevin Orellana
Senior Enforcement Manager
Refinery/Energy/Retail Gasoline Dispensing
Office of Compliance and Enforcement
South Coast Air Quality Management District
TRAA learned informally that Crenshaw Boulevard may have been closed, which is why we ask them about it specifically. (The important thing about Crenshaw is that the fence line monitors do not run along that street which is about 500 feet from the HF tanks. It’s treated as part of the refinery so the first fence line monitors to the east are over a half a mile from the alkylation unit and the HF/MHF.)
We don’t know the timeline for when the AQMD reached the plant. We also contacted the refinery itself but they never answered. We also contacted the city and several city council members, but they did not answer Before the AQMD responded.
We are relieved that it was a minor HF leak, but wonder why the Torrance Alert system did not provide us the warning we should expect.
Torrance Refinery Action Alliance 