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For updates on planned tests or maintenance, as well as emergency information about the Houston Refinery, please download the Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) Online App or visit .

What is Benzene Fenceline Monitoring and why is �ۿ۴�ý doing it?
EPA regulations require that refineries maintain a network of samplers along the property boundary to monitor for benzene emissions, if any, that come from offsite or onsite sources. 

Our �ۿ۴�ý Houston refinery is equipped with 17 stationary sampling locations positioned around our entire perimeter (refer to the Benzene Fenceline Monitoring section above).

What is Benzene?
Benzene is a clear liquid that has a sweet odor and evaporates into the air very quickly. Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities and is a key building block used as a starting material in the production of several important products including: petroleum-based products (fuel oils, plastics, rubber, synthetic fiber), pharmaceuticals, detergents, and more.

How often is �ۿ۴�ý monitoring the Fenceline?
Through the Benzene Fenceline Monitoring Program, each sampler along the fenceline is continually collecting benzene concentrations. After each sampling period concludes (approximately every 14 days), the sorbent tube samples are retrieved and analyzed in an independent third-party laboratory where an average concentration for each sample is determined.

How often is the Fenceline Monitoring Data being shared?
�ۿ۴�ý has been monitoring its fenceline for benzene in accordance with EPA Regulations since 2019.  Results are available publicly on EPA’s website.  �ۿ۴�ý is also sharing its results on this website on a more frequent basis to provide quicker access to the results by the community.

Will the fenceline results ever show zero emission readings or a “0.0 µ��/��3” value?
It is not likely that the results of air monitoring for benzene will ever show a ‘zero’ value because low levels of benzene can be found in outdoor air as a result of gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, proximity to highways and the burning of coal and oil. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than outdoor air. The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents as well as cigarette smoke. 

Why is �ۿ۴�ý providing links to the TCEQ and Harris County community monitors on its Website?
�ۿ۴�ý has added web browser links to these agency websites to help community members conveniently and quickly access real-time monitoring data that is being collected in our community by these two agencies.

Who can I speak to if I have questions or comments?
Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez
Manager Refinery Public Affairs
�ۿ۴�ý Houston Refinery
751 95th St. Houston, TX 77012
(713) 923-3467
Sara.Montelongo-Oyervidez@�ۿ۴�ý.com

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•    Visit Houston
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Have Questions or Comments? We care about your opinion and we’d love to hear from you!

Emergency Notifications

For updates on planned tests or maintenance, as well as emergency information about the Houston Refinery, please download the Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) Online App or visit .