The Torrance Refinery is committed to operating safely, reliably and environmentally responsibly. In addition to the ongoing preventive maintenance programs we conduct to help us keep this commitment, we also periodically perform extensive planned maintenance.

This week, we begin activities to inspect, clean and perform important maintenance on refinery equipment. The company is investing more than $140 million to perform this maintenance project commonly referred to as a “turnaround.”

To safely complete this turnaround, we have hired approximately 1500 additional contractors who specialize in refinery maintenance; the majority of whom are California Building Trades workers.

We take into consideration our surrounding neighbors when planning maintenance work, to lessen inconvenience to the community. However, you may notice certain effects of the turnaround, including the following:

• Increased Traffic: Increased traffic can be expected during shift change, especially between the hours of 4-7 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. at the Refinery’s Entrance Gates 3 and 7 on West 190^th We are coordinating with the Torrance Police Department to help ease potential traffic disruptions and safety issues during these times. Additionally, we are providing parking for the additional workers on refinery property.
• Flaring: We work to minimize flaring during the maintenance period; however, it is not uncommon to see permitted intermittent flaring during process unit shutdowns and startups to maintain safe operations. The excess hydrocarbons from process units are routed to the flare system where it is combined with steam and burned to ensure maximum combustion to minimize emissions into the air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District regulates the emissions from refinery flare systems.
• Noise and Light: Although some activities will need to be conducted in the evenings, the Refinery will maximize the work during the days to attempt to minimize noise levels at night. We will make every effort to be considerate, reduce unnecessary noises and maintain compliance with the city noise ordinance. We will also take measures to minimize the use of perimeter lights and direct the lights used into the refinery as much as possible.

We will continue to be vigilant and plan accordingly to minimize public impact that may result from this busy maintenance period that will last for several weeks. We ask for your patience and understanding as we complete this important work to support safe and reliable operations.

If you have any questions, please call our Community Relations Department during regular business hours Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at (310) 212-1852, or call the Refinery’s 24-Hour Community Hotline at (310) 505-3158 after business hours.

The monthly test of the Community Alert Sirens will be conducted on:

Wednesday, January 2, 2019
(at approximately 11:30 a.m.)

THIS IS ONLY A TEST !

The monthly test is described as follows: One-minute “all-clear chimes” will precede and follow a two-minute “siren tone.” Total testing time will not exceed five minutes. It is important to note that the “siren” tone carries a greater distance. It may be heard in areas beyond the reach of the “chime.”

During a real emergency, when you hear the sirens, “Shelter. Shut. Listen.”

Shelter in Place means to:

If at home/outdoors:

1. Go indoors;
2. Close all vents, windows and doors;
3. Listen for instructions on local cable and radio.

If driving:

1. Continue driving;
2. Close windows and vents;
3. Turn your radio to 1620 AM CitiSOUNDS.

If in a parked car:

1. DO NOT start the engine;
2. Close windows and vents;
3. Turn your radio to 1620 AM CitiSOUNDS.

Listen for the “chimes” sound that will signal the “all clear.

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