TCEQ investigating Western Refining over yellow smoke ‘incident’

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct an investigation, along with a complaint investigation, into Western Refining, said TCEQ officials Thursday.

This follows an “emission event” in which yellow smoke could be seen emanating from the refinery Wednesday around noon. The exact cause of the yellow smoke is still unknown.

Viewers reached out to ABC-7, asking to investigate the plume. After contacting the refinery, Gary Hanson, VP Corporate Communications at Western Refining, sent a statement regarding the smoke. He only explained that there was an “incident” in which something was released and contained.

The statement went on to say that the release from a unit was sent to a flare where it was contained and quickly dissipated. No injuries were reported.

Thursday, TCEQ officials said Western Refining provided a notification (incident no. 250319) about 30 minutes following the visual start of the incident, and within the required 24-hour time frame.

The TCEQ said the initial notification contains estimated emissions, which may be revised in the final notification which is due two weeks from the end of the event. After the final notification is received, the TCEQ will conduct an investigation of the emissions event. If a final notification is not received, the initial notification becomes the final notification.

The TCEQ added that the regional office also received a complaint from a member of the public and will be conducting a complaint investigation.

ABC-7 reached out to the City of El Paso about the incident. Karl Rimkus, Environmental Services Dept. Air Quality and Environmental Compliance Programs Manager, said staff from ESD saw the large smoke plume from what appeared to be an incident Western Refining.

After visiting with an environmental representative from the refinery, the city was informed that the TCEQ was notified of the “emission event.” Rimkus added that ESD Air Quality has been in contact with the TCEQ Region 6 Office, who will be handling the investigation of what occurred and to ensure compliance with Western’s federal air permit.

ABC-7 will stay on top of these developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.