Air quality officials moved to close the door on a ban of a dangerous acid used at two South Bay oil refineries that community groups have sought since a 2015 explosion raised concerns about the potential for a catastrophic release.
Torrance Refining Co. is one of two South Bay refineries that use modified hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic chemical used to make high-octane gasoline.
The highly toxic chemical, used to make high-octane gasoline, can form a deadly, ground-hugging cloud that could drift into surrounding communities and cause mass casualties in the event of a major leak. “The petroleum industry has money, lawyers and political lobbies to look out for their interests, but South Bay residents rely on the members of this board to look out for our interests,” Yoshida said.
Valero’s Wilmington refinery and Torrance Refining Co., owned by PBF Energy, are the only two refineries in California that use hydroflouric acid.
The Torrance refinery estimates it would cost $900 million to switch from modified hydrofluouric acid to sulfuric acid, a widely used alternative that is considered safer. Business groups and labor unions contend that phasing out the chemical would cause job losses, raise gas prices and even force the facilities to close.
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