TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) — Lawmakers have voted against a resolution to phase out the use of a chemical at the Torrance Refinery.

The Torrance City Council voted 5-2 against phasing out the use of hydrofluoric acid and voted 7-0 in favor of adopting safety measures at the refinery.

The meeting stretched well beyond midnight, with both sides weighing in.

Residents raised concerns about safety issues at the refinery following a number of worrisome incidents, including an explosion in 2015.

On the other hand, refinery officials insisted that they need hydrofluoric acid for the refining process, saying if they can’t use it, it would jeopardize many high-paying jobs in Torrance.

Company officials and local employees said the plant has used HF in the refining process for roughly 20 years.

Still, residents say it’s just not worth the risks.

“While HF and MHF may have been used for decades, neither of these deadly chemicals are welcome in Torrance or the South Bay any longer,” said one person who spoke at the meeting.

The next step is the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s public meeting scheduled for Saturday, when both sides are again expected to present their cases for and against phasing out hydrofluoric acid.

Correction: An earlier version [see below] of this story mistakenly stated the Torrance City Council voted in favor of phasing out the use of hydrofluoric acid.

• Original article online at http://abc7.com/health/torrance-debating-ban-of-refinery-chemical/1823690/

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Note: This was the first report, albeit incorrect:

Torrance City Council votes to phase out hydrofluoric acid at refinery

Lawmakers have adopted a resolution to phase out the use of a chemical at the Torrance Refinery.

The City Council voted Tuesday night unanimously in favor of phasing out hydrofluoric acid – a big win in the eyes of Torrance residents.

The meeting stretched well beyond midnight, with both sides weighing in [see article below].

Residents raised concerns about safety issues at the refinery following a number of worrisome incidents, including an explosion in 2015.

On the other hand, refinery officials insisted that they need hydrofluoric acid for the refining process, saying if they can’t use it, it would jeopardize many high-paying jobs in Torrance.

Company officials and local employees said the plant has used HF in the refining process for roughly 20 years.

Still, residents say it’s just not worth the risks.

“While HF and MHF may have been used for decades, neither of these deadly chemicals are welcome in Torrance or the South Bay any longer,” said one person who spoke at the meeting.

The next step is the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s public meeting scheduled for Saturday, when both sides are again expected to present their cases for and against phasing out hydrofluoric acid.
• Original article & TV coverage online at http://abc7.com/health/torrance-city-council-votes-to-phase-out-refinery-chemical/1824084/

Torrance debating ban of refinery chemical
By Melissa MacBride, March 29

A heated city council meeting in Torrance looked at the issue of whether to ban a dangerous chemical in use at the local refinery

The overflow crowd discussed a possible ban on the use of hydrofluoric acid at the Torrance Refinery.

Supporters of a ban said they were concerned about the possible injuries or death that could occur if the chemical is released into the air.

“I don’t know about you but I’m planning on dying of natural causes,” said Torrance resident Brian Hitchcock. “Not a choking, burning, horribly painful chemical death, whether it’s slow or fast, that could have been prevented.”

Opponents of the ban, including company officials and local employees, said the plant has used HF in the refining process for roughly 20 years.

They said the plant, which generates many jobs, could not remain open without use of the chemicals.

“Given the current state of technology, you cannot have both,” said Jeff Dill, an official with PBF Energy.

The company also argued that the city should wait until state air quality control regulators finish their own look at the use of HF.
• Original article online at http://abc7.com/health/torrance-debating-ban-of-refinery-chemical/1823690/