Since October 8, 2021, the Torrance Refinery Fenceline Air Monitoring System detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) due to issues external to the facility. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is aware the Torrance Refinery is not the cause of the odors detected at its fenceline and in the community and is monitoring the situation.
According to a post on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works website, “the source of this gas (H2S) and related odor is ‘believed to be the natural decay of organic material (vegetation and marine life) at the bottom and sides of the Dominguez Channel.’ ”
Please refer to the Los Angeles County website or this Daily Breeze article updated on October 12, 2021 for additional information. You can also watch the video below that aired October 11, 2021 on Torrance CitiCable. The story begins at the 8:00 minute mark.