Torrance Residents Demand Ban of Hazardous Hydrofluoric Acid Amid Safety Fears

Concern Grows Over Hydrofluoric Acid Risks

Residents of Torrance, California, are on high alert as they rally against the use of modified hydrofluoric acid (MHF) at the local oil refinery, worried that a significant disaster is looming. This chemical, utilized in about 40 refineries across the United States, has been categorized as extremely dangerous; even minimal exposure can result in severe injuries or death. Activists and local leaders are calling for immediate action, fearing that the consequences of an accident would ripple far beyond the refinery’s walls.

A Call to Action for Community Safety

At a recent teach-in event, the community gathered to voice their concerns and demand the ban of MHF, which many believe could lead to mass casualty scenarios if an incident were to occur. The call for action has amplified since a 2015 incident at the Torrance Refinery, wherein an explosion nearly resulted in a catastrophic release of this toxic chemical. Steve Goldsmith, president of the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance, emphasized the necessity of eliminating MHF, stating that a release could have lasting health impacts within 6.2 miles of the facility.

Historical Context: The 2015 Explosion

On February 18, 2015, an explosion at the refinery nearly exposed the surrounding community to MHF. According to Goldsmith, a heavy piece of equipment from the explosion came within five feet of a tank filled with the acid. "If that tank had punctured, we could have seen lethal consequences spreading across wide areas," Goldsmith stated. This grim reminder has propelled local residents to take action, alarmed by the dangers present in their proximity to the refinery.

Challenging the Safety Claims

While the Torrance Refinery has made claims that MHF is a safer alternative to traditional hydrofluoric acid, many residents and safety advocates disagree. County Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted the stark reality of MHF, referring to it as a "flesh-eating, low-crawling toxic vapor cloud," stressing that the community's safety is paramount and that alternatives must be pursued. Despite claims of improved safety following the refinery's acquisition by a new owner, skepticism among the community persists.

Exploring Solutions and Alternatives

Amid calls for change, discussions are being initiated regarding feasible alternatives to MHF. An ionic-liquid alkylation process was successfully adopted by a Chevron refinery in Salt Lake City, which advocates believe could be a model for Torrance. The ongoing effort to ensure safety involves not just the refinery's management but also scrutiny from local officials and residents determined to safeguard their health and surroundings.

Government Response: Legislation and Community Voices

U.S. Representative Maxine Waters has taken up the mantle, reintroducing a bill titled the "Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act". This initiative seeks to mandate refineries to find safer chemical alternatives within five years, making it a crucial component of the community’s strategy for safety. As local residents and leaders rally their voices, the push for legislation that prioritizes public health has gained momentum.

Real-Life Impact: Voices from the Community

Christopher Truman, a lifelong Torrance resident, articulated what many feel: "Replacing MHF is the least that we can ask for our safety. Growing up here, these concerns are deeply personal to me and my family, who live close to the refinery’s blast radius." As residents, they not only seek action against MHF but also demand greater transparency and accountability from local officials regarding factory safety methods.

Conclusion: The Need for Vigilance and Change

The residents of Torrance stand united in their demand for a ban on modified hydrofluoric acid, emphasizing that the stakes are too high to ignore. Continuous advocacy and community engagement are essential as they strive to hold refinery operators accountable for their safety practices. By fostering a dialogue and leveraging community voices, there is hope for a safer, healthier future for all residents in not just Torrance, but the broader Los Angeles County region.

As we witness growing activism on this issue, it is critical for everyone in the area to remain informed and involved. If you share these concerns or seek more information on how to participate in the ongoing efforts for safety, please reach out and engage with your community leaders.