Torrance Residents Voice Concerns Following Refinery Blast

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Six days after an explosion at an Exxon Mobil Corp. refinery in Torrance, residents voiced their concerns during a City Council meeting Tuesday night.

As KCAL9's Laurie Perez reports, some attendees at the meeting held at City Hall on Torrance Boulevard said they want proof that their health and safety is a priority.

Exxon Mobil has said the ash that fell following the Feb. 18 explosion is not hazardous but mobile park owner Brad Comiso is skeptical.

"And I asked specifically 'Is it OK to eat the vegetables?' So, I'm offering to you. Bon appétit," Comiso said.

Others say recorded robocalls informing residents of an emergency are antiquated. They said they want the city of Torrance to consider using high-powered speakers similar to those on military bases.

Exxon Mobil representatives were in attendance but did not speak.

City leaders and the fire department acknowledged they could have done some things differently, such as using the refinery's siren or the community's radio alert system.

But Councilmember Tim Goodrich placed the onus on Exxon Mobil, saying safety starts at the refinery.

"If safety was their first priority, would this have happened?" he asked.

Meanwhile, a city leader warned of calls being placed by a person claiming to be with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who states a desire to conduct a special inspection inside homes. Officials said the EPA is not conducting any such inspection.