As the rainy season approaches, we may see more precipitation in Torrance and that can mean a few days or weeks of rain throughout the winter months. While the much-needed rain can help improve drought conditions across the region, there is potential for flooding, landslides, and other issues related to storm water management.
Whatever the rains bring, Torrance Refinery’s water wise and responsible operation is prepared to handle a downpour or a deluge and provide support to the City of Torrance for managing its storm water.
For example, when the city of Torrance experiences heavy rains, the City’s storm water retention basin, Pioneer Basin, collects storm water from various public locations throughout the city. In this Basin, which lacks pumping capability, storm water infiltrates into the ground or evaporates.
However, when the Basin is near full capacity and water is unable to evaporate or infiltrate into the ground quickly enough, the City has the option of discharging storm water from Pioneer Basin onto Torrance Refinery property, as was the case in January 2023 during heavy seasonal rains.
When this occurs, all wastewater from the site, including the excess storm water discharged by the city, is routed to and treated at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Department (LACSD) water treatment plant in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Torrance Refinery maintains a wastewater permit with LACSD and pays for the City’s excess storm water to be treated by LACSD.
The Refinery uses more than 240-million gallons of water each month — enough to fill 365 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Of that amount, approximately 67% is recycled water, which consists of both reclaimed wastewater that has been treated for reuse rather than discharged to the ocean. This water is used for irrigation and other commercial applications throughout the region. The rest is reclaimed groundwater.
A classic example of the refinery recycling and reusing water is with its Cooling Towers. The refinery utilizes cooling towers to lower the temperature of hot water from process operations that is returned to the plant for further use. Although dependent on the weather, motorists on Crenshaw Avenue can often see water vapor coming from the cooling tower stacks.
So, whether you see water vapor coming off the cooling towers, or there are heavy rains in the area, be assured Torrance Refinery’s dedicated employees are doing their part to manage water responsibly.
Click here if you want more information about our Cooling Towers.