User:Camille89/Kurnell residents fear new pipeline upgrade

May 26, 2011

Caltex plans to upgrade the pipelines link at the Kurnell refinery in Sydney has local residents worried about the impact it will have on the surrounding environment.

If approved by the government the Kurnell refinery will see about 1.5km of existing pipeline between the refinery boundary and Caltex’s wharf at Kurnell revamped.

Installation of news pumps, boosters pumps, pipeline modifications and new an electrical switch room at Caltex’s Banksmeadow terminal are just a few of the alterations.

Kurnell residents have been warned the upgrade will very likely take place over a one year period, between 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday and will often experience foul odours, dust and noise and vibrations throughout the process of the upgrade.

Sutherland Shire Council general manager John Rayner said there were concerns about managing the impact of noise and vibration on residents for which Caltex had not provided enough detail.

The reason for this upgrade is to be able to supply more fuel to Sydney airports international terminal.

A Qantas spokesman said the airline was supportive of the project, ‘‘particularly given the recent constraints on jet fuel supply experienced at Sydney Airport’’.

A Caltex spokesperson states that not only will the $24 million upgrade be beneficial to the supply of fuel to the airport but will also reduce the risk of contamination and pollution because of aging infrastructure in the future.