Press Release: Bay Area Air Quality Management District And California Air Resources Board Fine Valero Refining Co. $82 Million For Air Quality Violations

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a nearly $82 million penalty in a joint case to address significant air pollution violations by Valero Refining Co. at its Benicia refinery. The penalty stems from a 2019 inspection that found unreported emissions from the facility’s hydrogen system containing harmful organic compounds in violation of BAAQMD regulations. This penalty is the largest ever assessed in the Air District’s history.

 

According to BAAQMD, of the total fine amount, over $64 million dollars are designed to support the local community impacted by the violations. These dollars are to finance projects solely aimed at reducing air pollution exposure, mitigating air pollution impacts and improving public health in areas surrounding the refinery. The process of determining how BAAQMD will allocate those funds is unclear, but city officials have been told these funds will not be given directly to the city. As such it is important to note these funds cannot be used for roads, infrastructure, public facilities, water, wastewater, or essential services such as library, parks, recreation and police programs. Once the process is specified, the city will advocate for determining the distribution of BAAQMD funds through a public process with input from residents, community organizations, elected officials and advocates representing Benicia. The remainder of the penalty will be used to fund BAAQMD’s clean air projects throughout the Bay Area.

 

Benicia Fire Chief Josh Chadwick says “Benicia appreciates BAAQMD and CARB’s attention to Valero Refining Co.’s emissions violations and for holding them accountable.”

 

In December of last year, the City Council created a subcommittee of Vice Mayor Scott and Councilmember Birdseye, supported by Fire Department staff, to develop an Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) for Benicia. This ordinance aims to reduce the risk of hazardous chemical releases, improve accident prevention, enhance air monitoring, and promote transparency between the community and industry.

 

Chief Chadwick continues “The draft ISO includes the development of an Industrial Safety Citizen Oversight Commission which would develop programs and initiatives to recommend funding distribution from BAAQMD. In addition, the draft ISO proposes the establishment of a Benicia Air Quality Monitoring Program (AQMP). The major goal of the AQMP is to install air quality monitoring stations throughout the city and publicly disseminate the information through an online portal with real time air quality data. I would like to explore the possibility of using these funds to support the AQMP goals.”

 

In addition to the $82 million penalty, Valero will be required to undertake several measures to prevent future violations. Valero will be required to reconfigure the facility’s main hydrogen vent and vents in its hydrogen production plants to prevent emissions from being released directly into the atmosphere. Valero will also be required to implement a training program to ensure that its staff are fully aware of all relevant BAAQMD regulations.

 

For more information, visit https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/news-and-events/page-resources/2024-news/103124-penalty-valero.

 

For media inquiries, contact Fire Chief Josh Chadwick at (707) 746-4273 or jchadwick@ci.benicia.ca.us.