March 20, 2020

What is it?

Turnarounds are periodic planned shutdowns of part or all of the refinery in order to conduct routine and preventative maintenance. The turnaround should only impact a few units, while the rest of the refinery will continue to operate. Given the complexity of refining units and the high priority Valero Benicia gives to safety, these turnarounds can last several weeks.

Why do we do it?

Maintenance and upkeep of our facility is crucial to ensure that the refinery continues to meet the highest, most up to date standards in safety and efficiency. During a maintenance turnaround workers are able to access portions of the refinery that are not accessible during operation. This allows for maintenance, internal inspection and equipment updates that help the refinery run smoothly.

What do you need to know?

 

As the refinery process units start back up, there may be intermittent flaring as part of a safe restart and is the safest and most environmentally sound manner for a refinery to dispose of excess hydrocarbons. Flaring produces some emissions, but it is the safest and most environmentally sound manner for a refinery to dispose of excess hydrocarbons. Valero, along with the City of Benicia and regulatory agencies, will continue to conduct air monitoring in the area to ensure protection of the community.

We will be in constant communication with the City of Benicia and other agencies as the restart process occurs.