Did you know Torrance Refinery (Refinery) personnel oversee a 24-Hour Neighborhood Hotline (Hotline) to answer questions or concerns about the refinery? Torrance Refinery is strongly committed to operating in a safe, reliable, and responsible manner 24/7/365. You might imagine the Refinery’s workers to be process operators, mechanics, electricians, or office personnel. But have you ever thought about who actually answers the phone if you call the hotline?

Fred Wilburn is one of the dedicated employees at the Refinery who answers community calls. Even though answering the phone is not his only responsibility, it is one of his favorite roles. Fred has worked at the Refinery for 36 years, beginning his career as a rail car operator, a job he came upon by accident. Here is his story.

Fred attended California State University, Fresno, where he excelled at football and went on to play professionally for the-then Phoenix Cardinals. As a broadcast journalism major, he was passionate about talking to people and telling their stories. When a medical condition ended his career with the Cardinals, he moved back to Southern California to pursue a career in journalism. Fred’s aunt worked at the Refinery and convinced him to apply for a job while he looked for a role in his field of study. Lo and behold, he is still at the Refinery having progressed through numerous positions, all requiring good communication skills and all providing Fred the opportunity to talk to different kinds of people.

Outside Shift Supervisors (OSS)

Fred is currently an Outside Shift Supervisor (OSS) for the Oil Movements section of the refinery, which means he oversees work happening in areas that include equipment used for transporting crude oil, intermediate, and finished products during the refining process. His duties include traveling around the Refinery and communicating between the operators performing work and their supervisors to ensure personnel have what they need to do their job. He also communicates with external agencies including the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), California Office of Emergency Services (OES), Coast Guard and others whenever they call or visit. Additionally, he maintains the 24-hour Neighborhood Hotline to manage incoming calls from the community. In doing this, Fred interacts with almost all departments and numerous workers at the refinery.

24-Hr Neighborhood Hotline

When someone calls the Neighborhood Hotline, Fred or another OSS answers. Callers are asked to provide their location, address, or nearest cross street. Many times, callers have questions about the Refinery’s flare system, an odor they notice in their home or neighborhood, or the steam they see coming from the Refinery. Fred’s job is to speak with callers and answer their questions. If he is unable to answer a call because he is already speaking with someone, or is busy with another task, he will make sure to return their call if they leave a message. In the event multiple calls are received and the Hotline is overwhelmed, the OSS receives assistance from Community Relations.

The Odor Brigade

Everyone at the Refinery is a member of the “odor brigade,” which means if they smell something – they report it so trained personnel can track the odor down if it’s coming from the refinery and stop it before it can potentially impact our neighbors. Whenever someone from the neighborhood reports an odor, they believe is from the Refinery, Fred will activate the team to investigate.

Under the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Rule 1180, petroleum refineries are required to install, operate, and maintain real-time fenceline air monitoring systems.

Occasionally, Fred will physically go out into the community to investigate an odor report, “Even if I think the odor is coming from somewhere else, I investigate because I know that can ease someone’s concern, especially if I am able to figure out the source. We will always help when we can,” Fred noted.

Fred has interesting stories about skunks in yards, streets being paved a few blocks over and any number of things that happen every day that might initiate a call. When asked his thoughts about venturing into the community Fred said, “I love every minute of it. I get to see the neighborhoods around the Refinery. I get to meet people and educate them about the Refinery and the work we do here.”

If you are ever concerned about something you see, smell, or hear that might originate from the Refinery, please call our 24/7 Neighborhood Hotline at 310-505-3158, and who knows, you might even speak with Fred!