By Vanessa Chircop
RESIDENTS in Altona may notice a few changes at ExxonMobil’s Altona refinery, with the company advising it will be shutting down the plant in October and November for a planned maintenance turnaround.
The turnaround will see the refinery shut down for about six weeks.Refining manager, Glenn Henson said maintenance of safe and reliable operations was a key focus for Mobil.
“The cost of this year’s turnaround is substantial and, together with expenditure on maintenance and upgrades of the plant over the last three years, we have committed over $250 million to the future safety, reliability and viability of Altona refinery,” he said.
Mr Henson said the shutdown, which has been in the planning stages for two years, was an opportunity for Mobil to go through the refinery with a “fine-tooth comb”.
There will be a high level of activity throughout the refinery during the turnaround, with a peak additional workforce of 550 people on-site. Mr Henson said the plan was to complete the operation safely, on time, on budget and to minimise impact on the community.
“(The refinery) will be different to what they’re (residents) used to,” he said.
“There will be some flaring … and lots more activity and noises will be different to what they’re used to.”
Mr Henson said the shutdown, which will commence this week, will provide improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a general improvement in the reliability and performance of the plant.
A flyer has been sent to residents in the area to alert them of the changes.
