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Science
Phillips Refinery Seeks to Increase Tanker Traffic
Phillips 66 is looking to increase the number of tankers that deliver crude oil to its refinery near the Carquinez Strait. The Rodeo refinery processes California crude, which arrives via pipeline, and oil from from other places -- that's what's in the tankers.
Rich Johnson, a Phillips 66 spokesman, says for the Rodeo plant to remain viable, they need to be able to bring in more from outside the state.
"Production from California oil fields, traditionally one of the refinery's primary sources of crude oil, is declining," he explains.
Source: California Energy Commission.
Greg Karras, senior scientist with Oakland-based Communities for a Better Environment, says where that crude comes from will make a difference for people who live near the refinery.
"Crude oil varies in quality and in pollution potential dramatically," Karras says. "That would be a potentially big problem for the local community, if emissions increased from this refinery."
Johnson says, the refinery's operations will continue to comply with air regulations, "no matter the source of the crude oil we are processing."
Phillips seeks to bring in 23 more tankers a year, bringing the total to 59. All told, about 3,200 tankers enter the Bay every year.
- Initial study on the plan by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
- Rodeo plant tops toxic releases
