The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has finalized a settlement with the Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company to increase air monitoring and data transparency around its refinery. This decision comes after the Air District disapproved fenceline air monitoring plans from all five Bay Area refineries last October, citing noncompliance with their stringent air quality tracking rule. The enhancement in monitoring requirements is expected to provide greater insight into the surrounding air pollution levels, particularly benefiting communities residing near the refinery in Contra Costa County.
Meredith Bauer, deputy executive officer of Engineering and Compliance at the Air District, emphasized the agency's commitment to rigorous air monitoring and public reporting. According to a report by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, "The Air District will continue to hold refineries accountable to the highest standards of air monitoring and reporting," she said. "Frontline communities deserve access to clear, realtime information about the air they breathe, and this agreement ensures Tesoro meets that standard."
As part of the settlement, Tesoro has agreed to various enhanced measures. These include operating a network of six-point monitors for hydrogen sulfide and clearer benchmarks for operating and maintaining monitoring equipment. The company is also tasked with making real-time and historical air quality data easily accessible to the public and providing quarterly reports that detail measured pollutant concentrations and the results of quality assurance checks. In adherence to the settlement, Tesoro will also pay a $75,000 penalty with provisions for additional penalties should the company violate any agreement terms.
Compliance with this agreement is closely monitored by the Air District, which coordinates with Tesoro to uphold all obligations. Furthermore, Tesoro is expected to hold a public meeting in 2025 to address community feedback and concerns regarding air quality data transparency.
