The SF Bay is a tidal estuary that connects the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the Pacific Ocean via the Golden Gate. Multiple cities and counties share the waterway.
Significant public health concerns are more commonly associated with larger releases, fires, or airborne emissions.
A refinery with recurring incidents
While Wednesday’s release was relatively small, it adds to a series of refinery incidents that have drawn public attention in recent years.
In May 2025, the refinery experienced three separate flaring incidents that prompted air quality advisories. The refinery has also entered regulatory settlements over alleged air quality violations, while continuing to report flare events associated with equipment failures, power disruptions, startups, and planned maintenance.
Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and Contra Costa Health, typically review refinery spills and determine whether additional cleanup or enforcement actions are warranted.