NEAR FERNDALE, Wash. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air monitoring team is standing down after seeing no measurable threats to public health from airborne pollutants related to a fire at the BP refinery near Ferndale.
The EPA says a team of four contractors, accompanied by a BP Industrial Hygienist, conducted air monitoring at several locations around the perimeter of the facility, including locations downwind.
"No readings were found to be above background or demonstrate any level of concern," said Andy Smith, EPA Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
The fire broke out at the BP oil refinery at Cherry Point just after 2:30 p.m. Friday. About 100 workers were evacuated.
No one was hurt.
BP Spokesperson Michael Abendhoff said BP employs its own fire crew at the refinery site, but requested mutual aid from Whatcom County fire districts.
It is unknown how the fire started. The fire was fed by fuel, but Cherry Point refines many types including gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.
According to officials at Sea-Tac International Airport, about 85 percent of the airport's jet fuel comes from the refinery.
BP reports the Cherry Point refinery was commissioned in 1971 and processes about 230,000 barrels of crude oil each day. It is the largest oil refinery in Washington and the third largest on the west coast.
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