- Subscribe to PCF Networked Blog Daily Updates
- Subscribe to our Twitter / Google / Yahoo Daily Updates
 |
| Plumes of smoke rise from the Chevron oil refinery in Richmond, California |
A
series of explosions and fire at an oil refinery in Richmond, California, have
sent columns of thick black smoke into the air and forced local residents to
stay in their homes.
The
blaze, raging on for two and a half hours after breaking out, began at around
6:15 p.m. local time on Monday at No. 4 crude unit of Chevron Corp’s refinery.
Chevron
said in a statement that one person has sustained only minor injury at the
refinery.
According
to authorities, the plant accounts for almost one-eighth of the state's
refining capacity and therefore there are serious concerns that gasoline prices
could go up in case of prolonged disruption in the facility’s production
process.
The
nearby residents have also been provided shelter to avoid exposure to dangerous
chemicals or smoke.
California
Emergency Management Agency has reported that sulfuric acid and nitrogen
dioxide were released during the incident.
We
are “very disappointed that this happened, and apologize that we are
inconveniencing our neighbors,” said Chevron spokesman Walt Gill.
The
refinery has often been censured for environmental issues.
No comments:
Post a Comment