Safety upgrades promised amid concerns over petroleum storage

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the operations and safety protocols of Castro Lubricants, particularly regarding their handling of petroleum products and butane. The meeting highlighted the company's distribution practices, which involve receiving pre-packaged petroleum products from various locations, storing them in a warehouse, and then distributing them without any bulk handling or manufacturing on-site.

Mister Besh, a representative from Castro, clarified that the company does not plan to introduce bulk petroleum or butane into their operations, as they already have a bulk distribution site in Northern California for their West Coast distributors. This decision aims to mitigate potential safety risks associated with handling bulk flammable materials.

Commissioner Leonard raised concerns about the safety documentation provided by Castro, noting that it lacked relevance to their specific operations. He emphasized the need for safety protocols to be directly applicable to the products being handled, rather than generic standards. Leonard's background in health safety and risk management informed his recommendations for improving the clarity and relevance of safety measures.

Larry McKinney, an engineer representing Castro, addressed inquiries about the company's safety inspections and enhancements to their fire safety systems. He reported that the company is upgrading its fire safety capabilities by replacing an existing electric fire pump with a more powerful diesel-driven model and installing high-volume sprinkler systems throughout their warehouse. McKinney assured that these improvements are designed to effectively manage fire risks before emergency services can respond.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of safety in the handling of petroleum products and the proactive measures being taken by Castro Lubricants to ensure compliance and protect both their operations and the surrounding community.