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Is this a good idea?
Pros
• The refinery would almost double its output of gas and diesel.
• Property taxes on the refinery are expected to double from $1.5 million to $3 million annually, giving more money for local roads and other services.
• The $600 million investment would ensure the facility’s long-term viability.
• As many as 1,200 construction jobs would be created over two years. Estimated economic impact: $25 million.
• The project would create 100 new jobs. About two-thirds would pay an average of $70,000 a year.
Cons
• Traffic would increase significantly during construction.
• Truck traffic on Rosedale Highway would permanently increase from about 150 trucks a day to 250 or 300.
• The new facility would require on-site storage of hydrofluoric acid, a deadly chemical that, when spilled, can create low-to-the ground, gaseous clouds.
• Emissions that contribute to air pollution would increase. The facility is already among the top five stationary sources of unhealthy emissions in the San Joaquin Valley.
Latest stories
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Refinery environmental report released
A new report on the Big West of California refinery expansion shows two hotly debated chemicals carry about the same risks to the community but a third option would have significantly fewer hazards.
Shell Oil restarts cleanup of site
Shell Oil has restarted a system to clean up pollution beneath the Rosedale Highway refinery that environmental regulators say was shut down more than two years ago without their approval.
Big West defends handling of ammonia leak
Refinery officials said Thursday one cup of anhydrous ammonia is what set off an alarm at the refinery this weekend, an event that has a state senator and county supervisor calling for a full-scale investigation.
Supervisors grill Big West about leak
Kern County supervisors lashed out at Big West of California refinery officials Tuesday after requesting they appear to answer questions about an recent anhydrous ammonia release.
Florez calls for inquiry into refinery leak notification
State Sen. Dean Florez asked the state attorney general Tuesday to investigate Big West of California refinery’s response to a weekend anhydrous ammonia leak.
Rosedale refinery leaks small amount of ammonia
The Big West of California refinery leaked a small amount of ammonia just after midnight Saturday that sounded an evacuation alarm that was heard by residents in some nearby neighborhoods.
The Big West debate: Who's right?
In a television ad promoting the Big West of California refinery expansion, the company's fire chief says modified hydrofluoric acid, a chemical the company would use, is as safe as sulfuric acid.
Big West lobbying to speed up expansion approval
As public controversy swirls over its proposed refinery expansion, Big West of California now faces another hurdle.
Refinery debate turns into advertising war
A massive and dueling campaign to sway public opinion on a local refinery’s expansion plans is hitting people’s mailboxes, televisions and newspaper pages.
Blog
The Dirt: What do you think of the plan to expand the refinery? Join the discussion.
Poll
Do you support the expansion?
By the numbers
$600 million
Cost to expand the refinery
1.2 million
Additional daily gasoline and diesel output (in gallons) after the expansion
$3 million
Big West's property tax payment after the expansion
100
New jobs at the refinery created by the expansion
$70,000
Average salary of each new job
700
Average number of jobs during the two-year construction period