In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the adoption of Ordinance Number 24-14, aimed at enhancing safety regulations for facilities that store large quantities of flammable liquids. This ordinance amends Chapter 450-8 of the county ordinance code, introducing new process safety requirements for above-ground tanks with a capacity of at least 50,000 gallons, specifically those containing at least 10,000 gallons of flammable substances.

The initiative was prompted by a significant incident in October 2019 at the NuStar facility, where a release of flammable material led to explosions and fires, necessitating shelter-in-place orders for nearby communities. Following this event, a thorough investigation was conducted by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, which identified gaps in existing safety measures.

Nicole Heath, representing the health department, outlined the extensive collaborative efforts that led to the proposed amendments. These included input from industry stakeholders, community members, and various agencies, culminating in a draft ordinance developed in early 2023. The amendments aim to prevent future incidents by implementing nine key process safety program elements, such as improved hazard identification, operational procedures, and emergency response protocols.

The ordinance is set to be presented to the Richmond City Council in the coming weeks, with hopes that similar measures will be adopted in Martinez, where no industrial safety ordinance currently exists. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to enhancing safety standards and preventing accidents at facilities handling hazardous materials, thereby protecting both workers and surrounding communities.