In a swift and coordinated response to community concerns regarding a plume of smoke emanating from the Viva Refinery, authorities have declared the situation under control and issued an all-clear. On a Friday afternoon, when the incident unfolded, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) sprang into action, ensuring the safety of the community and dispelling earlier reports of a building fire.
At precisely 2.15 pm, FRV provided an update on the situation, confirming it to be a “minor incident” at Viva Refinery, situated along Refinery Rd in Corio. The reassuring news is that there have been no reported injuries and no building fire, contrary to initial apprehensions.
Viva Energy, a prominent player in the industry, swiftly addressed the situation, explaining that the Geelong Refinery had triggered a minor alarm due to a disruption in one of its refining units. A Viva Energy spokesman elaborated, stating that the disruption had led to an increased visible flaring from the refinery’s safety flare system. Importantly, this flaring was deemed a necessary safety measure and should not cause community alarm.
The company quickly ensured that efforts were underway to stabilise the affected unit, and pertinent authorities, including Fire Rescue Victoria, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and WorkSafe, had been promptly notified. Expressing regret for any concern caused, the Viva Energy spokesman conveyed their commitment to resolving the issue expediently.
To ensure public safety, FRV issued a “stay informed” message for residents in 43 suburbs in central Geelong. The alarming images of thick black smoke billowing from the flare were visible from the main roads surrounding the facility, heightening concerns within the community.
FRV clarified the situation, acknowledging the presence of a “minor incident” at Viva Refinery, which was generating substantial smoke in and around Corio and neighbouring areas. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and emergency services remained vigilant in the vicinity.
Upon investigation, FRV reported that responding firefighters encountered a “larger than normal” burn-off flare, which was emitting more smoke and flames than usual. The cause was traced back to the failure of two cooling pumps clogged with seaweed within the system. Fortunately, another pump remained operational, and the subsequent rectification efforts were successful.
With commendable swiftness, an all-clear was issued at 3.30 pm, indicating that the situation was effectively managed at the Geelong Refinery. The Viva Energy spokesman confirmed the stability of the affected unit while also cautioning that, as the refinery resumed normal operations, there might be additional flaring in the next 24 hours. Again, Viva Energy expressed their regret for any concern arising from this incident.
In conclusion, the incident at Viva Refinery has been resolved efficiently, and the safety of the community remains paramount. Prompt responses from both the emergency services and Viva Energy have ensured that any potential risks were mitigated swiftly. As operations return to normal, residents can rest assured that the situation is well under control.
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