Posted on Saturday, March 1, 2007

CONTRA COSTA TIMES
EAST BAY ROUNDUP

Council Wants Role in Fire Investigation

By John Geluardi

The Richmond City Council would like to take a lead role in accident and safety investigations at the Chevron refinery after a Jan 15 fire. The council asked for a feasibility report Tuesday to look at forming a group of chemical and safety experts who would be on call to investigate accidents, near-accidents and other safety practices at the 2,900-acre facility. The group would report directly to the council.

Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, who wrote the plan, would require Chevron to fund the investigative group. The city delegated refinery safety investigations to several Contra Costa County agencies, including the sheriff's Office and Health Services, about six years ago when it approved its Industrial Safety Ordinance. "I am asking that we take back that authority to the city," McLaughlin said at Tuesday's special council meeting. "It's important we get answers directly." [emphasis added]

Asking for a feasibility study is a waste of time because the city already has the authority to lead the way, Supervisor John Gioia said Wednesday. "When Richmond passed the industrial ordinance, it delegated to the health department, which is acting as their staff on these issues," Gioia said. "The health department is at their beck and call to bring in experts."

A pipe carrying diesel oil burst in a crude separator unit about 5:15 a.m. Jan. 15, sending a 100-foot column of fire above the refinery. Two Chevron employees suffered minor injuries.

Reach John Geluardi at 510-262-2787 or jgeluardi@cctimes.com.