Valero Benicia advises City of controlled shutdown

From the City of Benicia website, ANNOUNCEMENTS
[Editor: This announcement was also pushed out to residents who subscribe to the City’s Community Alert System / Alert Solano.  This 9:58 am SHUTDOWN announcement was an update to a 7:36 am alert advising of high levels of particulate EMISSIONS.  – R.S.]

Valero Advisory Update – 10 a.m.

Shortly after 9 a.m., the City of Benicia was advised that the Valero Benicia Refinery will be performing a controlled shutdown of the entire refinery. This shutdown is being conducted to improve conditions and minimize risk from earlier operational issues. This shutdown is expected to last for multiple days and will result in visible flaring.

Benicia Fire Department personnel continue to work with Solano County Environmental Health, Solano County Public Health, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

The advisory notice continues for all residents with respiratory issues.

Those with respiratory compromise should do the following immediately:

  • Go inside your home, workplace, or the nearest building that appears to be reasonably airtight and stay there.
    • Close all doors, windows, and any fireplace dampers.  Cracks around doors and windows can be sealed with tape or damp towels.
  • Stay tuned to receive emergency announcements and instructions.
  • Healthy individuals – limit outdoor activity.

Follow the City of Benicia Facebook and website (ci.benicia.ca.us) for routine updates.  Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing an emergency.

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