protecting the environment

Air monitoring systems are one example of a tool used to understand neighborhood air emissions and help the public get a better picture of the air quality in Richmond. Since 2014, the Refinery has funded a community air monitoring program in Richmond. The program is operated by an independent third-party expert, and provides real-time community air quality data, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Data is collected and reported from three stations along the Refinery’s fenceline and three neighborhood stations – North Richmond, Atchison Village and Point Richmond. The air monitoring systems being used in Richmond make up the most comprehensive program deployed at a Bay Area refinery to date.

Since the launch of the program, the air monitors have continually tracked air quality. Results show that air quality in Richmond is similar to the air quality the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is measuring in other Bay Area urban communities.

We are often asked about the “clouds” that are sometimes seen around the Refinery and how that affects air quality. Those “clouds” are actually just water vapor, or steam. Specialized cooling towers recycle hot water created during the refining process so it can be re-used in our operations. During the cooling process some of the hot water evaporates and is visible as water vapor or steam clouds. The color of the clouds is affected by the ambient weather and temperature.

Visit www.richmondairmonitoring.org for more information about community air monitoring and to see real-time air quality data.

Read our community guide to understanding refinery flares