Chevron says pollution low near refinery

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RICHMOND, Calif., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Pollution levels near the Richmond oil refinery in California, which was damaged by fire, are well below levels considered unsafe, said Chevron.

Chevron reported intermittent fires the Richmond refinery, the third largest in the state, following a larger blaze early this week. What the company described as a "small controlled burn" was extinguished along with other fires, however.

In its latest update, Chevron said local air quality monitors indicate minimal effects from the blaze and pollution levels are below levels considered unsafe by federal health standards.

"Chevron will continue to work with the government and review available air quality monitoring data," a statement read.

Residents attending news briefing by Chevron and area officials expressed frustration with the oil company. Most, reports The San Francisco Chronicle, questioned the company's and inspectors' responses to health-related questions.

Chevron said the unit that caught fire Monday was shut down but other parts of the refinery remained in service. The Richmond refinery can process more than 242,000 barrels of oil per day at full capacity.