10/13/2026
September was an important month for Richmond residents.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District held two community meetings where residents had the opportunity to learn more about the preliminary Health Risk Assessment (HRA), ask questions, share feedback, and hear about proposed changes to rules around refinery flaring. Here’s some of what we learned:
-The Air District found that people living south of the refinery are facing a higher risk of cancer from refinery pollution. The estimated risk is 37 in a million. That's nearly four times higher than the district's level for when action is required which is 10 in a million
-The assessment identifies three significant sources of cancer risk at the refinery: Fugitives (leaks): pollution that escapes from refinery equipment, including pipes, valves, fittings, pumps, and other connections. Storage tanks: pollution released from tanks used to store petroleum and other refinery materials. Generators: pollution released from equipment used to generate power.
Together, these sources account for more than 70% of the total estimated cancer risk.
-The community also learned about flaring and about Rules 12-11 and 12-12. The proposed amendments for the two rules aim to reduce the amount of flaring, improve combustion when flaring occurs, identify flaring that may create higher health risks, and increase transparency around emissions data.
Flaring happens when a refinery burns off excess gas with a large flame. It happens during operations, but it can release pollutants, which is why our communities pay close attention to when it happens.
Community participation matters, especially when decisions about our air and health are being made.
Visit baaqmd.gov to leave public comment.
📣 What’s Next? HRA Public Comment: 🗓️ Open until November 23, 2026
