Spent Refinery Catalyst? Bueller?

A refinery last November had a release into the atmosphere of something called spent catalyst. Not sure what that is but I would like to test for it. Would I run CAM17 metals or a leach test? Thanks in advance

ooof-da said:

A refinery last November had a release into the atmosphere of something called spent catalyst. Not sure what that is but I would like to test for it. Would I run CAM17 metals or a leach test? Thanks in advance

News List | Martinez, CA

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Here ya go: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878029616301360

I don't know what testing you would do but I'd call that 800 number in the article you linked and ask them. They should know the specifics and may have a lab already contracted to do the work. So definitely call. I'd also save that bill so they have to reimburse you.

So sorry, that sucks.

That's terrible, hope you get some good answers from your city government. Find the ones that are up for reelection and let them know it's a priority for you. They usually are more responsive when their cushy jobs are up for a vote

I would remove a few inches of soil from my grow area at minimum while waiting for testing.

"spend catalyst" means nothing. The spend portion says that it was used and not new, so not informative. Catalysts are tools used to make chemical reactions faster/producing less waste/cheaper. It can be as simple as acid (they are not dangerous is diluted), iron, amino acids or literally anything else. Depending on the process they can also have residue of whatever they made in the plant or the raw materials (because it is spend).

So unless you have more information there's not much you can do.

Lou66 said:

"spend catalyst" means nothing. The spend portion says that it was used and not new, so not informative. Catalysts are tools used to make chemical reactions faster/producing less waste/cheaper. It can be as simple as acid (they are not dangerous is diluted), iron, amino acids or literally anything else. Depending on the process they can also have residue of whatever they made in the plant or the raw materials (because it is spend).

So unless you have more information there's not much you can do.

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It was heavy metals, if you click on the link and read that it points you to the website that gives you more information:

I tried, it doesn't work for me.

curious2garden said:

Here ya go: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878029616301360

I don't know what testing you would do but I'd call that 800 number in the article you linked and ask them. They should know the specifics and may have a lab already contracted to do the work. So definitely call. I'd also save that bill so they have to reimburse you.

So sorry, that sucks.

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Ya I’ll call that phone number and inquire. I started to yesterday but it’s just a message machine that requires you give them all your info then they reach out. This company bought the Shell refinery and it’s old and complicated to run…most people I talk to say it’s outdated technology. I sure hope they do something to protect the city, air, and water. Thanks for that link explaining what catalyst is.

ooof-da said:

Ya I’ll call that phone number and inquire. I started to yesterday but it’s just a message machine that requires you give them all your info then they reach out. This company bought the Shell refinery and it’s old and complicated to run…most people I talk to say it’s outdated technology. I sure hope they do something to protect the city, air, and water. Thanks for that link explaining what catalyst is.

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I'm so sorry you're going through this. I didn't look at it in depth but I'd register with the local government and then call the County Public Health Department and see if anyone is tracking this and registering people too. However I'd also speak with some attorneys before I would give my details to any private party or commercial entity.

ooof-da said:

A refinery last November had a release into the atmosphere of something called spent catalyst. Not sure what that is but I would like to test for it. Would I run CAM17 metals or a leach test? Thanks in advance

News List | Martinez, CA

Click to expand...

Sounds toxic to me.

Been awhile. I have been actively following this and they have had several more violations of air quality. Bottom line these guys bought out the Shell, Martinez refinery which is old. Shell didn’t update or modernize it but had a ton of institutional knowledge on how to run the various operational processes. I have been in this plant years ago doing industrial water treatment and it is a secure facility with a ton of chemical processes going on, very impressive actually.

There have been at least 3 more releases to the environment since my post 9 months ago…so basically once per fiscal quarter. The city council has added this to their topics of concern and now finally the county health department is getting involved.