The amendments relate to items that either require clarification, are not practical, go beyond international benchmarks or are simply unachievable.
The key changes relate to hydrocarbon and fluoride emissions; benzene monitoring; NATA accreditation and vapour recovery units. Specifically they involve licence conditions 3.3 & 3.4; 4.1, 4.15 & 4.9; 5.1 & 5.2; 9.1 as well as a number of other minor upgrades.
In applying for the amendments, the refinery has been guided by European and American benchmarks (where applicable).
The refinery has already informed its Community Advisory Panel (CAP) and EIP signatories of the intended changes. It has also sent a flyer to about 14,000 homes and businesses in the northern suburbs regarding the proposed changes to hydrocarbon emissions.
Shell Geelong Refinery Environment Manager, Mark Wildon, said the refinery takes its environmental responsibility seriously.
“Our current licence reflects how EPA and the refinery have been working together to achieve best practice standards,” said Mark.
“Since our licence was reissued in late 2004, we have been discussing many of these conditions with the EPA.
“Some of the conditions required investigation and it was discovered a handful of items required clarification, were not practical, went beyond international benchmarks or are simply unachievable.
“Licence compliance is fundamental to our operation and therefore we need to ensure that the conditions not only protect the environment, but are feasible,” he said.
A written report on the community’s feedback will be provided to the EPA at the end of January so that they can address the proposed amendments.
ENDS
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