Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:46pm BST
(Reuters) – A malfunctioning unit released heavy black smoke and was shut down at Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s (RDSa.L) 156,400 barrel per day (bpd) Martinez, California, refinery on Tuesday, according to the Contra Coast County Health Department Hazardous Materials Program.
Shell advised nearby neighbours that they might smell a propane odour while they were shutting down some equipment, according to a message sent to area residents.
A Shell representative was not immediately available to discuss refinery operations.