He said the blast happened in a processing facility and the material involved was gasoline. Its unacceptable we were put in harms way, said Daphne Wong, who added that she does not believe the official line that Torrance is a safe community. The explosion sent ash raining down on. The motion the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed in mid-February asks Gov. For instance, the CSB found that during work leading up to the incident, workers violated corporate lock out tag out requirements. "I kind of figured we had an earthquake, then I realized, living by the factory for all those years, they had a problem with the factory.". Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its final report into the February 18, 2015, explosion at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, California. In 2004, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said much the same in an environmental analysis the agency did when Valero introduced MHF at its Wilmington refinery. The CSB also found that in multiple instances leading up to the incident, the refinery directly violated ExxonMobils corporate safety standards. A reaction between hydrocarbons and catalyst takes place in what is known as the hydrocarbon side of the FCC unit. Hours after an explosion ripped through a Torrance refinery, residents for miles around continue to grapple with ash, a gas odor and concerns over poor air quality while inspectors confirmed that a filtration device was the source of the blast. The CSB notes that it is vital to ensure that safety critical equipment can successfully carry out its intended function. TORRANCE (CBSLA) Firefighters say four people have been injured in a reported explosion at an apartment complex in Torrance. Paige Austin, Patch Staff. Its unclear what effect these new calls to action will have on the refineries MHF usage. Three dozen firefighters knocked down the blaze within a half-hour. Many in the neighborhood reported being startled by a large blast. Across California, CA | News | 15h. There, too, the Torrance refinery has disagreed. Fire crews knocked down the blaze within 30 minutes. TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) A New Jersey-based oil refining company announced Wednesday it is purchasing the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance that was badly damaged in a February explosion, with. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nosotros, Yahoo, somos parte de la familia de marcas de Yahoo. Chevron, for example, successfully converted its Salt Lake City refinery from HF to a new alkylation technology last year. The CSB determined that on the day of the incident a slide valve that acted as a barrier failed. Puedes cambiar tus opciones en cualquier momento haciendo clic en el enlace Panel de control de privacidad de nuestros sitios y aplicaciones. TORRANCE, Calif. (Reuters) - An explosion and fire ripped through a gasoline processing unit at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles on Wednesday, slightly . The Supervisor knew the proffers were toothless, Odendahl said. The governors office confirmed they received the request, but declined further comment. The Torrance refinery, according to its website, has made several improvements, including a leak-detection system, upgraded water monitors, 24/7 automated, continuously monitored unit cameras and an expanded water mitigation system. California fire crews respond to ExxonMobil refinery explosion - CBS News Congresswoman Maxine Waters and I requested the U.S. Chemical Safety Board to investigate the explosion two years ago, Lieu said in the statement. All safety systems at the refinery operated correctly and personnel were safe, police said. In the past 5 years alone, our Plant Explosion Lawyers have Won over $1 Billion for workers who were seriously injured and burned in refinery and industrial accidents, represented workers in connection with every major plant and refinery explosion in recent history, and recovered record-setting verdicts and settlements against the largest oil and gas companies in the world, including ExxonMobil, Williams, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. Those safety enhancements, Lafayette said, include installing a new protective steel structure, water mitigation dome and curtain, an enhanced HF/MHF detection system, and additional water mitigation monitors. CSB Releases Final Report into 2015 Explosion at ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, California, Drivers of Critical Chemical Safety Change, Process Safety Management for the 21st Century, Emergency Planning and Response (Preparedness), Website design & development by Americaneagle.com. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Tammy Khan, of the Torrance Unified School District, said the shetler-in-place order was lifted early Wednesday afternoon. 2022 Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers. Since then, at least one leak of hydrofluoric acid and several fires have prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to propose a ban on hydrofluoric acid. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bontas offices to take all possible actions to require refineries in California to convert from MHF to safer alternatives.. So far though, it doesn't appear as if any serious damage or injuries have occurred, barring reported explosions in Torrance. 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Robert Millea said he couldnt immediately confirm whether an explosion actually occurred, only that one was reported. Every one of our lawyers is a Houston personal injury attorney whos undefeated in the courtroom and has recovered some of the largest verdicts and settlements in history. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. North Torrance resident Daphne Wong, her husband, Eng, and their three children, ages 5 to 9, all walked to the refinery together despite the rain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. And so, the battle over MHFs future appears set to linger on with the Board of Supervisors call for a ban the latest volley. In February, a large explosion occurred at ExxonMobil's refinery in Torrance, California. Four were taken to hospitals. The state could potentially lose thousands of jobs, and it could result in higher gasoline prices at the pump for California residents, businesses, and government, Californians for a Sustainable Economy an association representing hundreds of local businesses wrote in opposition to the ban. When released, the chemical can form a deadly, ground-hugging cloud that, in the event of a major leak, could have caused serious injury or death to many community members, according to the agency. Three dozen firefighters knocked down the blaze within a half-hour. The 2015 explosion, according to the CSB, caused the refinery to run at limited capacity for more than a year and raised gas prices in California costing drivers in the state an estimated $2.4. For a while, though, flames shot 40 feet into the air. The four victims were found suffering varying degrees on injuries. The new campaign comes several months after air quality regulators killed a years-long push for stronger regulation of hydrofluoric acid at the two refineries. The blast caused serious property damage to the refinery and scattered catalyst dust up to a mile away from the facility into the nearby community. The refinery, where about 155,000 barrels of crude oil are processed each day, has been part of the South Bay landscape since the 1920s. The information you review on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.The verdicts and settlements that we have listed are simply intended to be representative of the cases that Zehl & Associates has handled for past clients; they are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome in your or any other lawsuit. Let's get out of here. But at the time, theyd never heard of MHF and didnt think much of it. Refinery officials, though, say MHF was specifically designed to be safer than its non-modified original hydrofluoric acid and has been reviewed by experts and deemed the best catalyst for the refining process. Instead, if a leak occurred, a ground-hugging liquid cloud would form, according to a 2018 report from the Torrance refinery defending its use of the chemical. Chairperson Sutherland said, Adoption of and adherence to a robust safety management process would have prevented these other incidents. As a result, when the valve was needed during an emergency, it did not work as intended, and hydrocarbons were able to reach an ignition source. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. There was no sign of an announced safety rally at the refinery PBF had planned to hold for workers as a counterpoint to the demonstration so they could reflect upon the (2015) incident.. And it directs L.A. County to support any new legislation that would help phase out MHF. All rights reserved. Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, ICE detainees allege retaliation for speaking about medical conditions at Otay Mesa center, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; suspect arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls. God may not warn us again.. All communications are private and confidential. Torrance firefighters responded to the 23500 block of Anza Avenue just before 1:20 p.m. Sunday. Watch: Explosion reported at ExxonMobil refinery in California - CBS News State of the Union CBS News App Ukraine Crisis COVID Pandemic CBS News Live Managing Your Money Essentials Shopping. Economic factors, such as job creation and the regional and global importance of oil, further complicate the issue, at least for elected officials. Four people were injured in an explosion at an apartment building in Torrance Sunday afternoon, officials said. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Three were treated and released. The explosion also launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment within feet of a structure that housed a highly volatile and toxic substance, modified hydrofluoric acid. For more than seven years, members of small, local activist groups have been irresponsibly making claims against the Refinerys use of MHF, without any basis in fact, Lafayette wrote recently. All rights reserved. in communication and M.S. Fire, explosion reported at Torrance Refinery, police say The LA County Department of Public Health and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra followed suit. Thick smoke rose from a mangled, multiple-story portion of the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery, located south of the 405 Freeway, after the 8:50 a.m. blast. The work of the Safety Auditor was overseen by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge and approved prior to use of MHF at the refinery.. Member-Designated Transportation Projects, Fire erupts at Torrance refinery just hours before protest rally, announced safety rally at the refinery PBF had planned to hold for workers as a counterpoint to the demonstration, Manhattan Beach Office (By Appointment Only). As a result, unraveling the debates complexities remains challenging. Final CSB Report of Explosion at ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, CA U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu said in a statement Saturday that he plans to ask the U.S. Chemical Safety Board to include Saturdays incident as part of an ongoing investigation into the problems at the trouble-plagued refinery that began two years ago. Gavin Newsom to call for an investigation into the use of modified hydrofluoric acid at the facility, now operated by Torrance Refining Co., as well as by Valeros Wilmington refinery. Officials were investigating the cause of the over-pressurization. This explosion and near miss should not have happened, and likely would not have happened, had a more robust process safety management system been in place, then-CSB Chairwoman Vanessa Allen Sutherland said in a statement at the time. The explosion also spurred a movement among residents to oppose MHF. Following the explosion, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health shut down the part of the refinery where the accident occurred. I urge SCAQMD to act with urgency, said the South Bay Democrat. We need to ban MHF as soon as possible. Gen. Xavier Becerras office investigate how the Torrance and Wilmington refineries are able to legally operate using hydrofluoric acid. Chairperson Sutherland said, There are valuable lessons to be learned and applied at this refinery, and to all refineries in the U.S. Keeping our refineries operating safely is critical to the well-being of the employees and surrounding communities, as well as to the economy.. The refineries are the only two in the state that use the substance. The decision by the board came one week after the two refineries sent letters offering to install improved safety systems in the coming years if regulators ended their pursuit of new rules for the chemical. In its final report, the CSB describes multiple gaps in the refinerys process safety management system, allowing for the operation of the FCC unit without pre-established safe operating limits and criteria for a shut down. We knew we were moving in next to a refinery it was here before we were, Cliff Heise said in an interview. Authorities said the incident happened around 6 a.m. and 36 firefighters responded to the refinery. There were also questions asking why the emergency refinery sirens did not sound following the accident. And the incident was avoidable, CSB said: Mismanagement and improper safety protocols put in place by then-owner ExxonMobil who sold the refinery to PBF Energy shortly after the incident made the explosion likely. Both the PBF and Valero refineries are situated in densely populated areas of the South Bay: About 245,000 people live within three miles of the Torrance refinery and another 153,000 live within that same distance of Valeros refinery, AQMD said. Electrostatic precipitators are large machines that stand12 stories high and weigh more than 1,000 tons. Explosion at Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, injures four Local battle over toxic chemical at Torrance, Wilmington refineries Torrance Refinery on April 22 reported an unplanned flaring event, induced by damaged equipment, that sent an additional 765 pounds of SOx and 143 pounds of volatile organic compounds into the. A five-story processing unit had burst open, spewing industrial ash over a mile away that some mistook for snow and propelling a 40-ton hunk of equipment into the air. explosion also launched an 80,000-pound piece of equipment, failure to follow safety guidelines was partly to blame for the blast. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen, cell 202-446-8094 or email public@csb.gov. Four apartments have been damaged, two of which sustained "significant damage.". PBF Energy, which now owns the Torrance Refining Co. refinery, denied that an explosion occurred. They have lived in a neighborhood directly adjacent to the Torrance refinery for 48 years. Torrance officials said there was no chemical release and a citywide shelter-in-place order is not necessary, but those near the site should keep windows closed. Explosion reported in Torrance Fire department vehicles will patrol Los Angeles with vehicles and helicopters to identify the damage or emergency needs, it was reported. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. The explosion, which happened . The issues to be discussed include A decision not to use the ExxonMobil emergency siren to alert the community to the explosion and subsequent ash and dust fallout.. That update was completed last year as well. Explosion at Torrance refinery - Los Angeles Times That failure ultimately allowed hydrocarbons to flow into the air side of the FCC, where they ignited in a piece of equipment called the electrostatic precipitator, or ESP, causing an explosion of the ESP. 4 Injured in Possible Gas Explosion at Torrance Apartment - KTLA Other than the affected crude unit, the refinery continues to operate, Brien said. My first reaction was, this doesn't sound good, this doesn't look good. "I have second thoughts about being out here right now," said resident Anthony Scales. If you're interested in joining our team, you can apply for a position here. Manhattan Beach, CA crime, fire and public safety news and events, police & fire department updates Kristy Hutchings covers all things Long Beach including local government, politics, and the environment. And those who run the Torrance facility also say its refinery hasnt experienced an off-site leak of either HF or MHF since it opened in 1966. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil's Torrance Refinery Sold Amid Report Of Potential Disaster California Occupational Safety and Health officials were at the site investigating. Additional locations: Dallas, TX | Midland, TX | Odessa, TX | Louisiana, Plant Explosion Lawyer Refinery & Pipeline, Railroad Crossing Accidents and Train Accidents, Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Finally, the slide valve - a safety-critical safeguard within the system - was degraded significantly. In February, a large explosion occurred at ExxonMobils refinery in Torrance, California. Cuando utilizas nuestros sitios y aplicaciones, usamos. A Philadelphia native, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in medical anthropology and global health. The explosion filled surrounding neighborhoods with ash, fiberglass, and glass wool. Prior to joining the Press-Telegram, she served as the Daily Breeze's lead city hall reporter. "You could feel it," said refinery worker Jason Hernandez. Were also the only law firm in the country thats currently representing over 65 of the workers who were injured in the Williams Geismar explosion, as well as 3 of the 4 workers who were tragically killed in the October 2015 Williams explosion in Gibson, Louisiana. The latest fire in an ongoing series of mishaps including leaks, excessive flaring and power outages that have plagued the refinery in recent months added fuel to the arguments of opponents that the plant is a safety and environmental hazard. By Nichola Groom TORRANCE, Calif. (Reuters) - An explosion and fire ripped through a gasoline processing unit at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles on Wednesday, slightly injuring four workers and shattering windows of surrounding buildings, authorities said. Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery Rocked by Large Explosion - KTLA 6 Min Read. The respective responses were predictable: For years, both sides of this battle have zealously defended their positions. proporcionarte nuestros sitios y aplicaciones; autenticar usuarios, aplicar medidas de seguridad y evitar el spam y los abusos, y. medir el uso que haces de nuestros sitios y aplicaciones. TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Torrance Police Department issued an alert for the city, notifying them that the Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery had an explosion and fire early Saturday morning. I cant believe they dont have the guts to stand up and say, This is wrong and MHF needs to be out of our community, she said. With the addition of these voluntary safety enhancements and other obligations completed and operating, we have fulfilled our obligation to further protect Refinery personnel and the community, Lafayette said. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. The explosion, the report said, launched a 40-ton piece of debris that nearly struck tanks carrying tens of thousands of pounds of MHF. Really? read one of the signs carried by chanting marchers who endured a steady downpour to protest the use of toxic hydrofluoric acid at the refinery. Fill Out the Form Below for a Free Case Review with our Undefeated Personal Injury Lawyers. MHF opponents have also expressed concerns that the refineries havent done enough to ensure the communities safety. The incident caused the refinery to be . The 2015 explosion at the Torrance Refinery was bad, but it easily could have been catastrophic, Hahn said in a press release. Three of them were taken to a nearby hospital, authorities said, after earlier indicating all four had been transported. Si quieres personalizar tus opciones, haz clic en Gestionar configuracin de privacidad. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. There have also been multiple safety enhancements to prevent leaks, they say. Posted Wed, Feb 18, 2015 at 5:20 pm PT. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Refinery officials those from ExxonMobil, which owned the Torrance Refining Company during the explosion, and current owner PBF Energy have repeatedly pushed back on that conclusion, saying MHF doesnt pose a widespread threat. A smoke advisory was issued for areas near the ExxonMobil refinery due to Wednesday morning's explosion and fire. in journalism from the University of Southern California. Visit our website, www.csb.gov. Local battle over toxic chemical at Torrance,, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Local battle over toxic chemical at Torrance, Wilmington refineries continues, Baby girl Winter of Lake Arrowhead is born amid raging blizzard, Texas congressman who broke with GOP is censured, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, More Iranian schoolgirls sickened in suspected poisoning wave, explosion that rocked the Torrance Refinery, according to a 2018 report from the Torrance refinery defending its use of the chemical, protests and intensified public pressure from such activists, Heres why AQMD committee chose enhanced safety measures over a ban on MHF at refineries in Wilmington and Torrance, LA public health official urges phasing out MHF chemical at Torrance, Wilmington refineries, Activists call for state investigation into use of toxic chemical at two South Bay refineries, Court rules ExxonMobil must give feds crucial data on 2015 Torrance refinery explosion, Explosion at Torrance ExxonMobil refinery injures 4; spike in gas prices expected, Alpine Village shopkeepers get confirmation: theyre being evicted, San Pedro Fish Market bids a sad goodbye to legacy location, Alpine Village, for decades a German American hub, faces unknown future, Appeals court ruling in Lunada Bay Boys case could make cities liable for surf localism, Gracie Abrams behind Good Riddance message in Los Angeles sky, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, 6 suspects wanted for holding up armored cars for $550,000-plus in Hawthorne, LA and Inglewood, California weighs $360,000 in reparations to eligible Black residents, Hermosa Beach Police arrest 2 men suspected in shooting attempt, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. torrance News Caught on video: Car-to-car shooting on 91 Freeway Video shows a shooting between people in two cars traveling on the freeway in the Long Beach area. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case.
Pirelli P Zero Vs Continental Extremecontact Sport,
Bozeman Hot Springs Membership Cost,
Articles E
Comments are closed.