For Immediate
Release
November 17,
2016
Contact: Twaun
Samuel
Phone: (202)
225-2201
Congresswoman
Waters’ Statement on the Torrance Refinery Fire
WASHINGTON, D.C.
– In the wake of the fire that erupted Tuesday at the Torrance refinery, which
is owned by PBF Energy, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the
Financial Services Committee and Torrance representative, released the following
statement today:
“I am relieved
that Tuesday’s fire at the Torrance refinery was effectively contained, and I am
grateful there were no reported casualties. I commend all of the fire fighters
and first responders who were involved in responding to this
emergency.
Nevertheless, I
am deeply concerned by the history of mishaps at the Torrance refinery. I am
especially concerned that Tuesday’s fire occurred in the refinery’s alkylation
unit, where a form of hydrofluoric acid is used in the refining process.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic chemical, which could have catastrophic
impacts upon the surrounding community if it is released during a major
accident. Many Torrance residents have called upon the refinery operator to
cease its use of this potentially dangerous chemical and replace it with a less
hazardous alternative. Tuesday’s fire in the alkylation unit will undoubtedly
magnify the community’s concerns about this chemical.
The Torrance
refinery has a long history of safety problems, including fires, explosions,
leaks, and flaring incidents. Known mishaps over the past two years include a
February 18, 2015, explosion, which injured four workers, registered as a
magnitude 1.7 earthquake, and covered much of the surrounding community with
ash; a September 6, 2015, release of modified hydrofluoric acid; a December 5,
2015, release of hydrogen sulfide; the collapse of a 300-ton crane on June 20,
2016, which injured three workers; and an October 11, 2016, flaring incident in
which the refinery emitted flames and belched thick black smoke, which was
visible for miles and which caused the City of Torrance to issue a
shelter-in-place order for local residents and close nearby roads.
It is
unfortunate that this refinery is located in a densely populated area of
Southern California, where a serious accident has the potential to injure or
even kill large numbers of people. While I realize that we cannot re-invent
history, I am profoundly aware that the potential risk to the community is very
real. At some point in the near future, this risk will have to be realistically
dealt with.
I am joining
together with my colleague, Congressman Ted Lieu, to send a letter to the U.S.
Chemical Safety Board (CSB) requesting that the CSB investigate the cause of
Tuesday’s fire. I will continue to work hard on these issues until such time as
we can guarantee the safety of the residents of Torrance and everyone who lives
and works near the refinery.”
###
Kathleen Sengstock
Senior Legislative Assistant
Rep. Maxine Waters
2221 Rayburn Building
(202) 225-2201
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