photo credit: Alice Saliba – Facebook
The Martinez Refining Company on Pacheco Blvd. is offering free car washes to those affected by the mysterious “white ash,” which is allegedly coming from the refinery.
The following is from the Martinez Refinery Company:
Thank you, neighbors, for contacting us and your patience while we investigated the white, ash-like material found on buildings and cars, primarily in the Downtown Martinez Area, on November 25, 2022.
In response, Martinez Refining Company representatives took samples of the material to a lab for testing. Although we are still waiting to get the results back from the lab, based on input from the community and refinery personnel, we believe the substance is likely catalyst dust used in the refining process. We aim to be a good, respectful neighbor, and we apologize for any inconvenience this release may have caused.
Catalyst dust is primarily alumina silicate, clay, and other minerals mined from the earth This is also known as “spent,” or used catalyst, which has been incinerated at high temperatures to remove impurities so the catalyst can be reused.
Alumina silicate and the other naturally occurring materials are considered non-toxic and non-hazardous, including in this form. This material appears as minute white particles that is easily removed by rinsing with water from surfaces such as, patio furniture, toys, and fruits and vegetables. There are no health risks associated with this material.
For people who may have difficulty removing the dust from their vehicles, Martinez Refining Company has made arrangements with Autotopia Car Wash in Martinez, to provide car washes to Martinez residents in the affected area through December 2, 2022.
Autotopia: 3950 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez – Monday-Friday 11/28-12/2, 9am – 4:30pm
Please provide your driver license as proof of Martinez residency.
If you experience issues removing the substance with water on other surfaces, or if you have any additional questions, please contact MRC.CommunityRelations@pbfenergy.com.
Again, thank you to those of you who shared information with us, and to everyone for your patience.
RELATED STORIES:
- Martinez Refining Company Investigating “White Dust” On Vehicles Throughout City
- Contra Costa Health Department Issues Statement Regarding Flaring At The Refinery In Martinez
7 comments
So I’m SOL even though I work in the area and had this get all over my car but don’t have a Martinez address? That’s some BS.
I guess only people that live in Martinez had this crap get all over their cars. Never mind all of the people that have to drive there for work.
It’s dust, get over it.
You’re better off washing the car yourself anyway. I’ve heard quite a few people complain about the thievery that goes on there, and that they have a sign reminding people to remove their valuables. It’s pretty bad when a place of business cannot trust their own employees.
Also that if people actually work outside of the home during normal business hours, they still can’t use this! Those hours are terrible.
Material is so non-toxic, it can be used as a dessert topping.
seems the dust is very abrasive… don’t rub it… ruin ur paint… hose it off very well.. if this place isn’t a touchless … avoid it…
I’ve been exposed to catalyst dust in refineries since 1988, nearly all of the spent material is extremely high in heavy metals. “the other naturally occurring materials” Your car paint is the least of your worries.
Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials is owned by the refineries. Nothing to see here, how about a free carwash. Analytical can be run on a GCMS in less than 24 hours. Where are the results. Your roofs, yards, and streets are covered in it. Im sure its all ok. When has industry ever mislead the public.
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