Smog regulators said Sunday they are “very disappointed” with repeated explosions and fires at the Torrance Refining Company, and announced plans for a hearing to investigate smog coming from a series of explosions at the gasoline refinery.
South Coast Air Quality Management District officials announced the action one day after a fire broke out in the massive refinery, at 3700 W. 190th St. Firefighters were called to the plant just before 6 a.m. Saturday, and plant employees and firefighters had the fire out in about 30 minutes, according to Torrance firefighters.
The AQMD’ chairman, William A. Burke, said Sunday that the frequent explosions have caused smoke, as gas and petrochemical residue is “flared” — disposed of by burning in violation of AQMD smog permits.