Advocating for Greater Protections at the Shell Oil Terminal in Martinez

Jun 29, 2011

Last week, the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) unanimously voted to renew the lease for Shell Oil's oil-receiving and exporting marine terminal, allowing the company to continue its operations there for the next 30 years. Concurrent with the lease renewal, the CSLC also certified the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the terminal lease.  The EIR examines the environmental impacts associated with the terminal’s operations, such as an increase in sediment disturbance and contamination of the San Francisco Bay with toxic pollutants, and mitigates these impacts when appropriate. 

 

Earlier this year, Baykeeper voiced concerns over the draft EIR. In response to our comments, the CSLC modified the EIR to:

 

  • require Shell to produce a more detailed spill prevention plan
  • apply the most recent ballast water regulations
  • ensure that ships visiting the Shell terminal comply with international exterior paint standards,
  • clarify Shell’s stormwater controls. 

 

The terminal, which is adjacent to the Shell Oil Refinery on the south side of the Carquinez Strait in Martinez, annually hosts 400 ships and handles 48 million barrels of oil each year.Operating since 1915, the Shell terminal transfers and processes hydrocarbon fuels, lubricating oils, and asphalt. Baykeeper will continue to monitor industrial facilities such as the Shell terminal and advocate for stronger protections against Bay pollution.

Join us to hold polluters accountable and defend the Bay DONATE NOW >