air monitoring
Since 2014, Chevron Richmond has funded a community air monitoring program in Richmond. The program is operated by an independent third-party expert, and provides real-time community air quality data, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Data is collected and reported from three stations along the Refinery’s fenceline and three neighborhood stations – North Richmond, Atchison Village and Point Richmond. The air monitoring systems being used in Richmond make up the most comprehensive program deployed at a Bay Area refinery to date.
Visit www.richmondairmonitoring.org for more information about community air monitoring and to see real-time air quality data.
Since the launch of the program, the air monitors have continually tracked air quality. Results show that air quality in Richmond is similar to the air quality BAAQMD is measuring in other Bay Area urban communities.
Other groups have studied Richmond’s air quality as well. Aclima, studied air pollution in Richmond-San Pablo in 2019 and in 2020, PSE Health Energy partnered with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) to establish the Richmond Air Monitoring Network (RAMN). Their study highlights that many factors – including but not limited to air pollution – contribute to the health outcomes experienced by the community. More on their conclusions can be found here.steam
We are often asked about the “clouds” that are sometimes seen around Chevron Richmond and how that affects air quality. Those “clouds” are actually just water vapor, or steam. Specialized cooling towers recycle hot water created during the refining process so it can be re-used in our operations. During the cooling process, some of the hot water evaporates and is visible as water vapor or steam clouds. The color of the clouds is affected by the ambient weather and temperature.
HOT AND DRY:
Steam is less visible and resembles a warm cup of coffee.
CALUROSO Y SECO:
El vapor es menos visible y parece una taza de café caliente.
WARM WITH SOME HUMIDITY:
Steam forms white, fluffy clouds that are easily noticeable.
CÁLIDO CON UN POCO DE HUMEDAD:
El vapor forma nubes blancas y esponjosas que son fácilmenté visibles.
COOL, DAMP AND SUNNY:
Steam clouds are heavy and dark in front of the sun.
FRESO, HÚMEDO Y SOLEADO:
Las nubes de vapor son pesadas y oscuras delante del sol.
COLD, WET AND NO SUN:
Steam clouds are dark and heavy similar to rain clouds.
FRÍO, HÚMEDO Y SIN SOL:
Las nubes de vapor son oscuras y pesadas similares a las nubes de lluvia.