Special Administrative Committee Hearing - June 8, 2017
South Coast AQMD staff presented the Committee with a summary of proposals received in response to RFP 2017-06 -- ExxonMobil Supplemental Environmental Protection (SEP) Funds. The proposals had been scored and preliminary recommendations presented for discussion. Staff sought the Committee’s input and direction as to recommendations for the full South Coast AQMD Governing Board to consider at a future meeting.
South Coast AQMD Refinery Committee Hearing - April 1, 2017
On Saturday, April 1, 2017, the Refinery Committee held a day investigative hearing attended by more than 250 residents and refinery workers, South Coast AQMD Board members questioned numerous experts and listened to community members to help inform the agency’s effort to reduce air pollution and improve safety at the facility. The hearing was broadcast on Torrance City Cable. More information on the hearing and the presentations are available here.
The Board also heard testimony from several dozen residents and refinery workers. However, since more than 100 asked to speak, a follow-up hearing was held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Torrance City Council Chambers to hear from those individuals who submitted a Request to Speak card, but did not have an opportunity to do so. The agenda is available here for the hearing held on April 8.
South Coast AQMD will develop or amend three refinery regulations to reduce air pollution in the region, specifically:
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Additional requirements to reduce planned and unplanned flaring;
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Requirements for refineries to monitor air quality at their fence line and/or in the nearby community to better assess potential exposure; and
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A requirement for the two refineries that use modified hydrofluoric acid – Torrance Refining Co. and Valero Wilmington Refinery – to phase out the highly toxic chemical.
News Release
SCAQMD Calls for Special Hearing to Discuss Concerns about Repeated Incidents at Torrance Refinery - February 19, 2017
More information
Contact the Public Advisor at 909-396-2432 or by email at PublicAdvisor@aqmd.gov.