Marathon preps California refinery for restart after quake

Marathon Petroleum shut down several units at one of its California refineries after a 4.5-magnitude earthquake.

The Martinez, Calif., refinery had begun flaring after the quake, which struck 20 miles northeast of San Francisco at 10:15 p.m. Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The flaring stopped at 6:30 a.m. California time, the company said.

"Marathon Petroleum personnel are working to assess integrity of equipment to ensure a safe restart and return to normal operations," spokesperson Nichol Carranza told FOX Business. "All emergency protocols are being followed and all required agencies have been notified."

U.S. Geological Survey

No “known spills or releases” were reported, and neither were any injuries, the company said. The Martinez refinery can crank out 161,000 barrels per day, and employs about 740 full-time workers.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
MPC MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP. 201.49 +4.53 +2.30%

An estimated 167,000 people felt strong tremors from the earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS