Press Release

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June 11, 2004

Local residents can find out what kind of safety programs exist at their local chemical facilities and refineries in West Contra Costa County and make suggestions about how to prevent accidental releases at two public meetings this month.

Contra Costa Health Services' Hazardous Materials Programs is sponsoring the public sessions, which are required by the County's and the City of Richmond's Industrial Safety Ordinances. The meetings are part of the overall process to receive input from the communities surrounding regulated industrial sites.

ChevronTexaco and General Chemical's plans will be discussed on Thursday, June 24, from 6 - 9 p.m. (panel discussion from 7 - 8 p.m.) at the Richmond City Council Chambers, 1401 Marina Way South, Richmond and on Tuesday, July 6, from 6 - 9 p.m. (panel discussion 7 - 8 p.m.) at Multi-Culture Senior Center, 515 Silver Avenue, North Richmond. ConocoPhillips safety plans will be discussed on Tuesday, June 22, from 6 - 9 p.m. (panel discussion 7 - 8 p.m.) at the Rodeo Senior Center, 189 Parker Avenue, and on Thursday, July 8, 6 - 9 p.m. (panel discussion 7 - 8 p.m.) at the Crockett Community Center, 850 Pomona Street, Crockett. There will be an overview of the Industrial Safety ordinance, a panel discussion featuring industry and health department representatives and a question and answer session. The panel discussions will be moderated by consultant Bob Katin. (More information is available online at cchealth.org)

"This is an excellent opportunity for residents to hear about what safeguards are in place to protect their communities from accidental releases. We encourage people to come and tell us what they are concerned about and ask questions," says Randy Sawyer, the County's Hazardous Materials' Accidental Release Prevention Supervisor.

Sawyer says there are also public comment periods in place for preliminary audit findings of the safety programs of these facilities required by the Contra Costa County and the City of Richmond Industrial Safety Ordinances. The forty-five day public comment period for ConocoPhillips and ChevronTexaco runs through July 26. The comment period for General Chemical West Richmond Works is open through August 5. The Preliminary Audit Findings may be reviewed at the Contra Costa Health Services Hazardous Materials Programs Office at 4333 Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. Call 925-646-2286 to schedule an appointment and at some local libraries. More information is available online at cchealth.org.

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