Intermittent flaring possible at Martinez refinery after electrical issue affected operations
Occasional flaring is expected at the Martinez refinery on Monday, Contra Costa Health said.
The Martinez Refining Company said intermittent flaring may happen as employees "return the refinery to planned rates" after an internal electrical issue affected operations.
The electrical issue happened just before 11 a.m., and around the same time, Contra Costa Health said it received multiple complaints from Benicia and Martinez residents about a "strong odor."
Strong odor in Martinez. Air District inspectors are investigating, responding to complaints and in communication with #MRC Refinery to determine the cause and identify corrective actions. Follow instructions from local health officials and check back for updates. pic.twitter.com/wOwyGloWXs
— Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) January 26, 2026
Contra Costa Health said it did not detect any public health risk that would require the community to act. The refinery company said it would be investigating the electrical issue.
"We will investigate the root cause of the incident and identify corrective actions," the company said.
Contra Costa Health said it requested a 72-hour report about the incident from the Martinez Refining Company. That report will be posted to the CCH website.