(Corpus Christi, May 18, 2008) A large plume of yellowish smoke was seen coming from the Valero Refinery, Sunday evening. The smoke came from the Valero East refinery plant, just after 6 o'clock.

Valero representatives tell 3 News, the smoke was released after starting up a unit that processes light oil, and the public was never in any danger.

However, a security guard who was having trouble breathing, was hosed down by Corpus Christi fire fighter with water, stripped of his clothing, and taken to the hospital, as a precaution.

Air samples were taken, and both Corpus Christi fire fighters and Valero representatives say the public was not in any danger, within a half hour, the smoke dissipated.