Torrance Refinery apologizes for the inconvenience caused by unplanned flaring on March 13, and we are sharing the following update:

This is a notification from the City of Torrance, California, TorranceAlerts – Information from the T F D— T F D has released a statement regarding the unplanned flaring event earlier this morning. Read the full press release here. At this time, there are no health concerns. You may see flaring with black smoke and notice a transient odor; however, no action is required from the community. T F D continues to assist with fence line monitoring for offsite impacts. If you would like further information, please contact the South Coast AQMD at 909-396-2000 or Torrance Refinery at 310-505-3158.

Alkylate is critical to making clean, low-emission gasoline. Hydrofluoric (HF) acid is one of two primary catalysts used to make alkylate. When it comes to using HF, refiners take major precautions and employ prevention, detection and containment strategies to keep their workforces and communities safe. Tim Shepperd, an expert in alkylation safety with more than 30 years of refining industry experience gives an on-the-ground look at HF alkylation. Using live and modeled footage, he walks through the layers of safety systems and risk mitigation protocols facilities use to protect workers, their neighbors and the environment. For more information about alkylation safety, please visit afpm.org/HF.

Additional reading: Banning Hydrofluoric Acid Won’t Eliminate Risk, But It Will Threaten Fuel Supplies