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Torrance Homeowner Voices Concerns Ahead Of Restart Of ExxonMobil Refinery

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Monday will be the last night for a while that Erin Shaw will allow her kids to play outside their Torrance.

She says she is concerned about the air quality once the ExxonMobil refinery resumes operations.

"Our concern is, is who's watching out for us and what are they doing and what are we breathing in this air," she said.

By evening, workers could be seen in protective suits readying the equipment.

Exxon says the startup will happen before 7 a.m. Tuesday. The company postponed Saturday's planned re-start over "operational delays."

The refinery has been closed since February of last year after an explosion caused major damage to the plant, injuring four workers and leaving layers of dust around the neighborhood.

Federal authorities blamed the blast on a breakdown in safety procedures and Exxon was fined more than $500,000.

But Torrance Mayor Pat Furey, who lives close to the refinery, says he's not worried.

"I don't foresee any instances," he said. "I think probably nobody will even know it happened until after it's all over."

During the restart, Exxon says it plans to shut down a pollution control device for six hours as a safety precaution.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District says it will be monitoring particulate matter and expect levels to remain safe. They say they'll also have four air monitors around the area, including two mobile ones.

But Shaw says she doesn't believe Exxon or AQMD have her family's health in mind.

"They have a lot to do to improve that trust," she said. "I do not trust them at all."

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