State Legislators Set to Discuss Explosion at Torrance ExxonMobil Refinery

If nothing else, the recent explosion at ExxonMobil offered a stark reminder about the dangers incidents at the local refinery pose to the community.  One of those risks, as reported by the Daily Breeze, is a “worst-case disaster scenario that could release 5,200 pounds of an extremely toxic vapor that could spread 3.2 miles and imperil more than a quarter of a million people.” That same article also reminded us of a 2012 accident at a California refinery in Richmond that sent 15,000 people to the hospital for treatment.

Considering the significant dangers posed, it is imperative that Torrance flawlessly execute emergency response measures put in place to ensure residents are as safe as possible in the event of an incident at the refinery. Unfortunately, if we learned anything from the recent explosion, it is that the emergency response was anything but flawless.  The City itself even acknowledged in a briefing held at the outset of a recent Council meeting that there were aspects of the Torrance Community Warning System “that needed to be modified.”  Those areas needing modification included the mass notification system, and the non-utilization of the refinery warning sirens and Crenshaw Blvd barrier system.

With regard to the mass notification system, several on the Council echoed complaints from the community that the calls did not show up on caller ID as coming from the City, and that the messages left were more akin to telemarketers and scammers than an emergency notification.  Even worse, others complained that they did not receive the calls altogether.  A close examination of key events from the emergency response timeline noted below reveals additional areas for improvement.

0851: Torrance Fire Department (TFD) dispatched to scene

0854: Hazardous Material 2nd Alarm activated (hazardous material alarm triggered when concerns exist with regard to spent catalyst, asbestos, radiological, heavy metals, or modified hydrofluoric acid)

0908: Incident Commander determines Shelter in Place not necessary for the schools

0911: At direction of Fire Chiefs a TFD employee attempts to access notification system but her access is limited to training only.  This results in Police Department having to send out public notifications on behalf of TFD for the duration of the emergency.   

0930: Shelter in Place notice sent to City employees via e-mail.  Message read in part, “There has been a major event at ExxonMobil causing soot and ash to fall.  General Services is shutting down air conditioning to City facilities.”

0952: Request all schools Shelter in Place

1014: Initial Shelter in Place notification sent to residents via phone

Given that a hazardous material alarm was triggered, why did the Incident Commander make the initial determination that a Shelter in Place was not necessary?  How come the individual that TFD relied upon to operate the mass notification system did not have full access to the system resulting in TFD having to solicit the Police Department to send out the notifications?

Why did it take 22 minutes after City employees were told to Shelter in Place to request the schools to do the same?  Why did it then take another twenty minutes after that to send out the first Shelter in Place phone calls to residents – a full 90 minutes after the event?

It is conceivable that in events such as this explosion that the difference between sheltering in place a few minutes after the event and a full 90 minutes later could be the difference between life and death for some. Bearing that in mind, what should be the expectation of the community in an event like this?  Was the emergency response acceptable with only a few minor errors?  Or, was the response so lacking in comparison to what it should have been that someone needs to be held accountable?  If it’s the latter, who can residents count on to hold the right people accountable?  Should we look to City government officials? How about State legislators?

State legislators, for their part, are concerned enough about what happened that they will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday at Torrance City Hall to discuss the emergency response, the refinery’s safety record and the effect of the incident on the community.

Let’s hope they are coming to do more than just talk.  In the aftermath of such a significant event, the community needs more than political grandstanding.  We need answers and leaders that are courageous enough to take action.  We need to be assured that ExxonMobil is operating as safely as possible and that it is not endangering its employees and the surrounding community.  We also need to have our confidence restored that our local government emergency response is adequate, that the proper systems will be utilized to protect us, and that people will be held accountable if they fail in their responsibilities to keep the community safe.  Will we get all that?  I guess we’ll find out more tomorrow night.