Martinez Refinery Under Investigation After Toxic Thanksgiving Fallout

By Jonathan Bash and Rebecca Barrett

Last Thanksgiving, while gathered for their special meal, Martinez residents shared more than just turkey with their friends and family. Unknowingly, families across the area were doused in an extra-large helping of toxic heavy metals. 

Without notifying residents or authorities—as required by law—the Martinez refinery released more than 20 tons of “spent catalyst” across a six-hour period, sprinkling aluminum, barium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, zinc and other toxic heavy metals over the town and into the lungs of feasting families. The short-term side effects of inhaling these heavy metals are nothing to be grateful for: coughing, a sore throat, and difficulty breathing are all costly impacts of this type of pollution.

In lieu of any word from the refinery, Martinez residents turned to Facebook to ask about the dust covering their cars and other surfaces. People contemplated the possibility that it was connected, but there had been no official announcement. In fact, the refinery waited a full two days to inform county staff of the release.

According to Contra Costa Health Services, this action was likely in violation of state law and county policy. Refinery staff are required to report the release via the county’s Community Warning System, giving residents the opportunity to take steps to protect vulnerable residents by remaining inside or leaving the area. 

After the release, the refinery put out questionable information on social media, minimizing the health impacts of their actions and describing the dust as “naturally occurring materials.” The only remediation the company offered to residents was free car wash vouchers that could be used to wash off the “non-toxic” white ash on local vehicles. Lab tests on the dust, however, suggested that it was in fact toxic, noting elevated levels of heavy metals. Consequently, car wash staff and other members of the public may have been exposed a second time as they washed their cars and other surfaces, aerosolizing the heavy metals. 

In response to the original release, the case has been referred to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton who has begun an independent investigation in partnership with a citizen oversight committee. More information about the investigation is available at cchealth.org/hazmat.

Sierra Club members who live in Martinez and Pacheco are invited to join the Sierra Club Mt. Diablo Group and get involved with community efforts to ensure safe operations at the Martinez refinery. Please contact Jonathan Bash (jonathan.t.bash@gmail.com) and Rebecca Barrett (rebecca.faith.barrett@gmail.com) to get involved.

Rebecca Barrett and Jonathan Bash are elected members of the Mt. Diablo Group Executive Committee.
City of Martinez sign

Photo by Rebecca Barrett.