Latest news with #BAAD
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Chevron Richmond refinery, Air District reach agreement on hazardous gas monitoring
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD) reached an agreement with Chevron on a new air pollution monitoring system at its Richmond refinery that will bring enhanced monitoring for hydrogen sulfide, a smelly and potentially dangerous gas previously not properly monitored according to the Air District's standards. Chevron is the first of the five oil refineries in the nine-county BAAD to reach an agreement with the Air District after all the refineries' fenceline monitoring programs were deemed insufficient and were "disapproved" in October 2023. The agreement announced by the Air District Tuesday will implement a new, more robust monitoring system for hydrogen sulfide, increased data sharing, and more community outreach from the company. Chevron also agreed to pay a penalty of $100,000 to the Air District and agreed to pay further penalties if it violates the settlement agreement, according to the Air District. Hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is a colorless, hazardous gas that is heavier than air and is a biproduct of the refining process. It can smell like rotten eggs in low concentrations and is also referred to as sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp, and sour damp, according to the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Health effects can occur even at low levels and include tearing eyes, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause loss of consciousness or death, according to OSHA. The Air District previously required refineries in the Bay Area to monitor the gas with an "open line" monitoring system, which uses a beam of light to measure the presence of hydrogen sulfide over a large area. But in 2022 it told Chevron and others that their fenceline monitoring plans, which detect pollutants at the properties' edge, or fenceline, were deficient and needed to be remade. When the companies submitted their new plans the following year, they were each deemed out of regulatory compliance. Chevron's deficiencies, and necessary corrections, centered around the number of data points that would be created by the monitoring technology, which are supposed to hit a certain threshold both hourly and quarterly. Other issues revolved around how the data was formatted and transmitted to regulators and retained for public review. Under the settlement agreement, Chevron will install a network of four "point monitors" which will have a lower detection threshold for hydrogen sulfide. They detect the gas at certain points rather than over large areas and are said to be more accurate than the open line system currently being used. They are also more reliable in bad weather conditions, such as dense fog, that hampered the open line monitors, according to the BAAD. "This settlement goes beyond what's required, and it reflects the Air District's commitment to transparency, enforcement and public health," said the Air District's executive officer, Philip Fine. "It raises the bar for transparency and community access to air quality data, setting a positive example for the industry." The website maintained by Chevron to report air quality data to the public, will now maintain data for five years, rather than the current three months, and make the data downloadable. A spokesperson for Chevron said the agreement would essentially enhance the monitoring the company was already doing at the refinery. "We know data and transparency are important to our community and are proud to be the first refinery in the Bay Area to move forward with these improvements," the company said in a statement. Chevron will also hold a community meeting to discuss its monitoring program sometime before the end of the year, but it was not yet scheduled as of Wednesday.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire smoke from Canada triggers air quality advisory in Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Wildfire smoke billowing from several fires in Canada is expected to impact air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area this week, officials announced Monday. An air quality advisory has been issued for Monday and Tuesday by the Bay Area Air District. Bay Area residents may smell smoke and see hazy skies while the advisory is in effect, the air district said. 'Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants,' BAAD wrote in its advisory. 'Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time.' Symptoms of exposure can include irritated eyes and airways. The smoke is emanating from wildfires in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the air district said. Officials suggest staying inside with the windows and doors closed, if possible, until the air quality improves. Travelers can also set vehicle vent systems to recirculate air. Libraries, malls and other locations with filtered air can help reduce exposure, according to BAAD. 'Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD,' BAAD wrote. 'Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.' Air district officials said a Spare the Air Alert has not been issued as pollutant levels do not exceed national health standards. Real-time smoke pollution levels can be monitored using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fire and Smoke Map website. On Saturday, BAAD issued an air quality advisory for portions of the Bay Area after flaring was seen at the Chevron Richmond refinery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Crime drama written by Glasgow doorman to screen at TV festival
The festival, which runs from May 29 to June 1, is the creation of Scottish author, producer, and screenwriter Claire Duffy. It aims to spotlight Glasgow's TV talent while driving change to help the crisis-hit Scottish TV industry. Now, a new event has been added to the festival line-up. On Saturday, May 31, there will be a Q&A and special screening event of the Glasgow crime drama Concrete Jungle. The drama, which has attracted a large audience on STV Player since its release, was written by former Glasgow doorman Anton O'Donnell. Anton will appear at the special Glasgow screening to discuss the creation of his hit show. Some of the cast of Concrete Jungle, including writer Anton O'Donnell (Image: Supplied) Read more: Gritty Glasgow gangland film available to watch for free on STV Player This adds to the long list of events planned for the festival, including the Glasgow Telly Legends Pick of the Pilots Event on Thursday, May 29, from 7.30pm to 9pm at Maison by Glaschu. A host of Scottish TV talent, including actors Colin McCredie, Blythe Duff, Sanjeev Kohli, Jordan Young, Karen Bartke, Chris Forbes, Siobhan Redmond, and Maureen Beattie, are involved in the festival activities and events. The festival will feature a series of events across the city, spotlighting Glasgow's writers, producers, directors, and actors. The Glasgow public, known for its direct feedback, will be key to spotting potential TV hits through an innovative audience feedback app. The festival opens with a panel discussion from stars and creators of some of the most iconic Glasgow series. The final cast has also been revealed for the TV Pilot Open Mic Night, taking place at BAAD on Sunday, June 1, from 2pm to 4pm. Read more: Scottish TV stars back first-ever Glasgow Telly Festival Claire Duffy, founder and organiser of the festival, said: "The level of interest in the festival has been incredible, and quite overwhelming. "From TV talent who want to be involved, to people supporting from behind the scenes, it's been wonderful to see the strength of community that exists within the Scottish TV industry. "The whole idea behind all of the events is to give actors, directors, and writers - all at any stage of their career - the chance to showcase their work, and to really bring audiences into the fold to share their views. "I have no doubt that, collectively over time, we can bring creativity, opportunity, and prosperity back into the Scottish TV industry, and the Glasgow Telly Festival is just the start of what will be a very exciting journey."
