Land and Groundwater

Environmental improvement is a priority for Shell Geelong Refinery. In recent years the refinery has focused an enormous amount of effort on improving environmental performance.

The refinery continues its investigations into how the refinery affects groundwater, on-site and off-site. These studies have found the off-site impact is historical in nature, localised and generally stable or reducing. The boundary containment system was confirmed as substantially effective.

Further progress has been made on groundwater and stage two of the groundwater remediation system has been commissioned. The groundwater remediation system operates continuously to recover groundwater and pump it to a new purpose-built plant located within the refinery for recycling.

The refinery’s Sustainable Land Management Program (SLMP) aims to:

• protect local environmental values
• embrace sustainable land management practices
• enhance the visual appearance of the refinery.

The SLMP has been developed in co-ordination with Geelong Grammar School’s land management strategies and the City of Greater Geelong Boulevard Project.  Local community groups and employees are involved in its implementation.

Over 60,000 trees and shrubs have been planted around the refinery. Not only do the trees create an attractive green buffer, they also play a valuable role in improving the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide.

The refinery has contracted the tree planting to MLI Services, a division of Karingal Inc., which provides group-supported employment to people with disabilities.

Members of the community, including students from Geelong Grammar and the 1st Highton Scout Group, have joined refinery employees on National Tree Day to plant trees.