UNOCAL Refinery, Saugus, California | Oil Infrastructure

UNOCAL is an oil refinery situated in Saugus, California, part of the Los Angeles County region. The facility is operational and plays a role in the local petroleum supply chain, converting crude oil into refined products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. As a refinery in the United States, it operates under federal and state environmental regulations. The refinery is classified under NAICS code 324110, which covers petroleum refineries. Refineries in California typically range from small to large scale, with many facilities having capacities between 50,000 and 200,000 barrels per day. The facility is subject to the U.S. EPA's Clean Air Act Refinery MACT standards, which control hazardous air pollutant emissions, and must comply with California's stringent air quality regulations. Located in the Los Angeles Basin, the refinery operates in a region with high energy demand and significant environmental oversight. Its proximity to urban areas and the Pacific coast necessitates robust spill prevention and emergency response measures. The facility contributes to the regional fuel supply and supports local economic activity through employment and tax revenue.

The refinery is situated in the Los Angeles Basin, a region with challenging air quality issues due to industrial activity and vehicle emissions. California's refineries are subject to strict state-level regulations, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules, which require advanced emission controls and the use of cleaner fuels. The facility's coastal proximity also raises considerations for marine spill prevention under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.