 This monitoring - conducted by independent NATA accredited consultants - showed that local industrial emissions had minimal impact on the air quality surrounding the Geelong refinery.  [1] In accordance with EPA licence requirements, Shell is required to monitor air outside the refinery for various substances including Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulphur Dioxide, Fluoride and Benzene. In 2006, all data recorded was below set criteria, except for days with high bushfire activity in parts of the State, which caused high particulate levels across the region.[2] Shell Geelong Refinery Acting Manager, Geoff Caddy, said the refinery was pleased with the 2006 ambient air quality results. “The results support EPA’s own monitoring that shows air quality in the Corio area is generally good and consistently meeting State and national air quality objectives,” said Geoff. “Last year we spent about $1.4 million monitoring the ambient air around the refinery. While the 2006 results are pleasing, we are still committed to reducing further our emissions,” he said. “We have a number of multi-million dollar projects planned or under way. This includes the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) project to reduce vapour emissions from storage tanks and a project to reduce by about two thirds total particulate matter from our Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU). “Benzene emissions from the Geelong refinery have already dropped by more than a quarter as a result of the production of low benzene fuel.” Key results from Shell’s 2006 Ambient Air Monitoring program include: - All 24-hour ambient Particulate Matter (PM10) monitoring results were below the Intervention Level (except for days with high bushfire activity in parts of the State, which caused high particulate levels across the region);
- All ambient Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) monitoring results were below the Intervention Level;
- The average ambient Fluoride results were below the Design Criteria[3]; and,
- All ambient Benzene results were below the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) and National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) levels.
Further details regarding Shell Geelong Refinery’s 2006 Ambient Air Monitoring program - including graphs of results - can be accessed via www.shell.com.au/geelong.
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