Shell refinery in Martinez issues alert after 'upset'

MARTINEZ, Calif. - The Shell Refinery in Martinez experienced a "process unit upset" early Friday morning and issued a Level 2 alert, a spokeswoman said.

Kristin Marczak said the upset, which she would only describe as a "non-standard operation condition" was reported about 2:30 a.m. There was no flaring, she said, and no one injured.

But, she said, there is a potential for odor to infiltrate the neighboring community, which is why a Level 2 alert was issued. That means people with respiratory issues could be affected.