BAKERSFIELD, Calif -- The expansion of a local oil refinery has been put on hold for now, after State and federal concerns about a dangerous chemical forced the company to change its plans.

The Utah-based company Flying J was seeking to boost gasoline and diesel production by using hydrofluoric acid at its Rosedale Hwy. location.

But because of health officials' concerns and public outcry, now the company is changing its tune. Representatives with Flying J now say the company will use a modified version of hydrofluoric acid.

Kern County Planning Director Ted James says the modified version is less volatile and is much safer for the community

He says the Kern County Planning Commission will now review a newly constructed environmental report and will announce their findings within a couple of months.