Overview
The Los Angeles Refinery Carson Plant is an operational oil refinery in Carson, California. It processes crude oil into various petroleum products, serving the regional energy market.
The Los Angeles Refinery Carson Plant is a major oil refinery located at 1520 East Sepulveda Blvd., Carson, California. As part of the Los Angeles refining complex, it plays a key role in supplying petroleum products to Southern California. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which enforce stringent emissions standards under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Refinery MACT rules. The refinery's operations involve atmospheric and vacuum distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products. The facility's Nelson complexity index is typical for a large-scale refinery, indicating a high degree of processing capability. It is subject to the EPA's Refinery Sector Rule and Risk Management Plan requirements, which mandate leak detection, emission controls, and spill prevention measures. The Carson Plant is situated in an industrial area near the Port of Los Angeles, a major hub for crude oil imports. Its coastal location necessitates robust spill prevention and response plans under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The refinery contributes to the local economy through employment and tax revenue while managing environmental impacts through continuous improvement in emissions control and energy efficiency.
Environmental context
The refinery is located in the Los Angeles Basin, an area with significant air quality challenges due to industrial emissions and vehicle traffic. The facility operates under strict EPA and CARB regulations to control volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles increases the risk of marine spills, requiring adherence to MARPOL Annex I and California's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) requirements. The refinery's water discharge is regulated under the Clean Water Act through an NPDES permit.
Frequently asked questions
The Los Angeles Refinery Carson Plant is located at 1520 East Sepulveda Blvd., Carson, California 90745, in Los Angeles County.
The refinery produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products through processes like distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydrotreating.
The facility is regulated under the U.S. Clean Air Act Refinery MACT standards, the Clean Water Act, and the Oil Pollution Act. It also complies with California's stringent air quality rules.
The refinery implements spill prevention, emission controls, and leak detection programs. It follows EPA Risk Management Plan requirements and California's OSPR spill response protocols.
The plant is a key supplier of transportation fuels to Southern California, supporting the region's economy and energy needs while operating under strict environmental regulations.
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