The Martinez Refining Company reported the second release of ‘coke dust’ in less than two weeks on Saturday evening, according to the Contra Costa County Health Department. The health department said that hazmat teams did not immediately find evidence of coke dust in surrounding neighborhoods following the release. Coke dust is a black sooty substance chemically similar to charcoal that is created during the refining process. The refinery first reported the release of coke dust, a byproduct of petroleum refining, at 6:04 p.m. The oil refinery is currently under investigation for the release of toxic heavy metals into the community in November 2022.

Source: Daily Nation July 23, 2023 14:59 UTC