Torrance Refinery — pipelines & terminals

Torrance Refinery at night

ExxonMobil Keeps California Moving
Whether by car, truck or plane, ExxonMobil helps keep our world moving. ExxonMobil's Torrance Refinery works in concert with our pipelines and terminals to supply nearly 10 percent of the gasoline sold in the Golden State. Along with producing three grades of gasoline, the Torrance Refinery produces diesel fuel, jet fuel, liquified petroleum gases (LPGs), coke and sulfur. ExxonMobil uses state-of-the-art technology, highly trained technicians and a network of pipelines and terminals to make sure that consumers keep on the go. This network includes a pipeline from the refinery directly to Los Angeles International Airport, helping facilitate air travel out of the world's third busiest airport.

Connecting Southern California
Pipelines: Pipelines connect us to our customers. They are used to bring raw materials into the Torrance Refinery, such as crude oil which is transported from the San Joaquin Valley of Central California through our M-70 pipeline. As the San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the thickest crude oil in the world, the oil must be heated and mixed with additives, called cutter, before it can be transported in the pipeline. The M-70 pipeline was replaced in 1993 and is one of the safest, most environmentally sound petroleum pipelines in the nation. Pipelines also transport finished products from the Torrance Refinery to our terminals.

Terminals: Trucks seen replenishing Mobil branded gasoline stations in Southern California transport product from terminals located in Anaheim, San Diego, Vernon, Colton and directly from the Torrance Refinery. The terminals are fully automated allowing for deliveries 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Round the Clock Monitoring
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ExxonMobil's network of pipelines is continuously monitored by state of the art electronic control centers located in Houston and Dallas, Texas as well as at the Torrance Refinery. Loading and unloading processes at our terminals are also automated, allowing for continuous monitoring from these off-site locations. Remote electronic monitoring is combined with local response personnel to enable quick detection and response to any problems. Pipeline and terminal personnel regularly participate in drills with local safety agencies to prepare for emergencies.

Commitment to Integrity
ExxonMobil is committed to maintaining and improving the integrity of our pipelines. Corrosion prevention programs ensure that systems are equipped with cathodic protection to minimize and prevent corrosion. Coatings are also applied to the pipe to prevent contact between the metal and corrosive materials in the soil. In addition, periodic aerial inspections are made by flight patrols to detect evidence of any leaks.

ExxonMobil Terminal Locations*:

  • Atwood Terminal, Anaheim - Supplies gasoline stations in Orange County, San Bernardino County, North San Diego County and parts of Riverside County.
  • Southwestern Terminal, Terminal Island (Port of Los Angeles near San Pedro) - Stores and transfers petroleum product brought in by tankers, barges and pipelines. Four active berths are located at this terminal.
  • Vernon Terminal, Vernon - Supplies gasoline stations in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and parts of San Bernardino and Orange Counties.
  • Torrance Terminal, Torrance Refinery - Supplies gasoline stations in parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

*Owned and operated by Exxon Mobil Corporation.