Health officials demand consequences after toxic dust falls on Martinez
MARTINEZ, Calif. (KRON) — Toxic dust fell over Martinez while families were at home celebrating Thanksgiving, and Contra Costa County health officials want an oil refinery to face consequences for failing to sound the alarm.
On Wednesday, Contra Costa Health requested that the District Attorney consider taking legal action against the Martinez Refining Company for allegedly failing to alert the county after it released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust into the community.
The accidental release of a “spent catalyst” from the refinery began around 9:30 pm on Nov. 24 and continued into the early hours of Nov. 25,
