soot

Ornelas, who rents a house in the Boggs Tract neighborhood, says she has to wear a mask just to work outside, or to clean the soot off her car every few days.

It is not just a renovation after the fire, but a complete overhaul including removing decades of crud and soot built up since the last restoration.

In recent years, complaints of acrid odors, fiery accidents, soot and harmful emissions have gained new resonance as public officials become more sensitive to accusations of environmental damage.

During his previous sentencing hearing, the court was told how Pateman, who had fled the scene on his bike, was found at his mother's house, where he had gone to bed, covered in soot.

While the refinery is a sizable employer, with about 600 employees and 300 contractors operating the site, there have been complaints in recent years of acrid odors, soot and harmful emissions.