The Torrance Refinery is committed to operating safely, reliably, and environmentally responsibly. In addition to daily inspections and continuous preventive maintenance programs we conduct to help us keep this commitment, we also periodically perform extensive planned maintenance because safety is at the heart of everything we do.

This week, we begin activities to inspect, clean and perform important maintenance on refinery equipment. The company is making a significant investment to perform this maintenance project commonly referred to as a “turnaround.”

To safely complete this turnaround, additional contractors (who specialize in refinery maintenance) will be working onsite, the majority of whom are California Building Trades workers.

When planning these large maintenance events, we take into consideration our surrounding community to lessen inconvenience to our neighbors. However, you may notice certain effects of the turnaround, including the following:

Increased Traffic: Increased traffic is expected during shift change, especially between the hours of 4:30 – 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Gate 8 on Crenshaw Boulevard. 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, potential permitted intermittent flaring during process unit shutdowns and startups to maintain safe operations may occur. Flares are an essential component of a refinery’s engineered safety systems designed to safely combust excess hydrocarbons to minimize emissions into the air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District regulates the emissions from refinery flare systems.

Noise and Light: Some activities will need to be conducted in the evening; however, 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 the Refinery’s 24-Hour Community Hotline at (310) 505-3158.