July 11 (Reuters) - PBF Energy's (PBF.N) 156,400 barrel-per-day capacity oil refinery in Martinez, California released petroleum coke dust, a byproduct of the refining process, on neighboring communities, Contra Costa Health (CCH) Services and the refiner said on Tuesday. Significant quantities of fugitive dust from pet coke storage and handling operations present a health risk, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PBF Energy confirmed the release of coke dust in an email response and said it issued a Community Warning System Level 1 notification. The Department of Justice is currently investigating the refinery over a November 2022 release of a powdery substance later determined to be spent catalysts. A county-hired toxicologist TRC said in June that the release did not increase the public health risk of exposure to heavy metals in the soil.

Source: The Star July 12, 2023 22:11 UTC