Another dust-like substance leaks from Martinez refinery, prompts hazardous materials response

PACHECO — Hazardous-materials teams in Contra Costa County responded Tuesday after a refining company — already under scrutiny for its work’s effect on the surrounding community — released dust into the air, health officials said.

The dust landed on the ground and was visible in some surrounding neighborhoods into Martinez, according to social media posts from the Contra Costa Health Services department. Health officials advised people to avoid breathing the dust or making close contact with it.

The first public reports of the leak came from health services officials on social media at 11:14 a.m.

The material came from the Martinez Refining Company; the same refinery leaked a sand-like substance into the community on Thanksgiving that prompted a hazardous-materials response. The substance released that day contained metals including aluminum, barium and chromium and has since prompted a federal investigation.

Exposure to heavy metals has been linked with nausea, vomiting, respiratory issues, immune system dysfunction, cancer and even death.

According to health officials, the company reported Tuesday’s leak through the county’s Community Warning System that the material was coke dust, a byproduct of the refining process. Health officials were collecting samples to be analyzed.

Company officials could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

Staff writer Will McCarthy contributed to this developing report. Please check back for updates.