Smoke, but few toxics in Crockett tank fire air samples
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MARTINEZ — Air samples taken during a major fire at a Crockett fuel-storage facility last week show high levels of smoke particulate, but no unusually high levels of toxic substances, Contra Costa health officials said Tuesday.
The fire Oct. 15 at the NuStar Energy tank farm destroyed two large tanks on the site, forcing the closure of Interstate 80 for several hours. As firefighters battled the blaze, officials activated the county’s community warning system to advise Crockett, Rodeo and Hercules residents to shelter in place to limit exposure.
The fire burned less than 6,000 barrels of denatured ethanol, described as a fuel additive, and an unknown amount of diesel and jet fuel, according to a 72-hour incident report NuStar was required to send county hazardous-materials staff. Its cause was still under investigation Tuesday, officials said, and no updates on an outside probe triggered by the incident or the on-site cleanup last week were available.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District staffers took four air samples downwind of the site between 3:12 and 3:34 p.m. Staffers then sent the samples’ test results to county health officials.
In a statement, county health officer Dr. Chris Farnitaro credited weather conditions, which included light south to west winds, as well as the blaze’s high heat, which pushed much of the smoke high above ground level, with easing some impacts.
“The release of smoke into residential neighborhoods is always a serious public health risk,” said Dr. Farnitano. “Thankfully, the actual health impact in our communities from this incident was not as serious as it could have been.”
Still, real-time air-quality measurement tests by county hazardous-materials staff showed high levels of smoke particulate in the air. As short-term smoke exposure can irritate eyes, noses and throats of sensitive populations such as children, seniors and others who suffer from respiratory conditions, residents who experience impacts are urged to seek medical care.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.