Oct 6, 2021
Source:
Vallejo Sun
An environmental watchdog has alleged in a letter to the Port of Benicia that it has routinely allowed petroleum pollutants to drain into the Carquinez Strait in violation of federal and state environmental laws. The letter, sent Wednesday by the Oakland-based environmental nonprofit San Francisco Baykeeper, alleges that petroleum coke, or petcoke — a product shipped from the Valero Benicia Refinery — is escaping into the strait from conveyor belts and ships during loading, particularly when equipment is sprayed down or when it rains. The group said it plans to sue in 60 days if the port, owned by Amports Inc., does not remedy the pollution.