Torrance Refinery Action Alliance Sues Over Chemical Leak

This month, the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance (TRAA) took legal action against two refineries in Southern California following a significant chemical leak in Garden Grove that led to the evacuation of nearly 50,000 residents.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, targets the Torrance and Wilmington refineries, demanding access to safety records as outlined by the California Public Records Act.

In a statement, TRAA highlighted that, “Garden Grove is not the only Southern California city with a potential ticking time bomb in terms of mass casualty incidents caused by tanks of toxic industrial chemicals.”

These two refineries are reportedly unique in California for their use of hydrogen fluoride (HF/MHF), crucial for producing high-octane gasoline. TRAA expressed concerns regarding the ongoing dangers associated with both the transport and storage of this hazardous substance, threatening nearby communities.

The California Public Records Act mandates that government documents must be accessible to the public unless there are specific privacy or safety exceptions.

Historically, the Torrance refinery has a troubling safety record. Notably in 2015, an explosion injured four workers and caused a minor earthquake nearby, hurling 40 tons of debris alarmingly close to a tank holding thousands of pounds of modified hydrofluoric acid. This corrosive liquid poses serious risks, capable of melting glass and inflicting severe burns.

A similar tragedy struck in 1979 when an explosion resulted in three fatalities and forced locals to evacuate.

Following the Garden Grove incident in May, Southern California residents have heightened their concerns, calling for stricter safety protocols at local refineries and industrial sites.

The refinery was contacted for a statement, but there was no response.