After the Milnerton refinery experienced a power dip last week, residents are demanding action by the fuel giant, Astron Energy claiming that the construction is causing them sleepless nights.
“We can hear the noise all the way in Table View,” says resident Bernard Mills.
Astron Energy says it is close to fully reopening the Milnerton refinery after the explosion in 2020 in which two workers were killed. According to news reports the inquest into what transpired during the explosion in 2020 finds the Astron refinery blast was caused by safety protocol violations.
They recently made headlines again after a product spill affected local birds and wildlife. The reported leak took place on Koeberg Road into the Table Bay waterways that run through Rietvlei Wetland Reserve and join with the Milnerton Lagoon.
Now, since the construction kicked off to have the refinery fully operational, complaints are streaming in regarding the noise pollution. Residents say the noise is unbearable and happens mostly at night.
“My children have also started asking questions and I don’t have any answers for them. I understand the construction must take place, but can they not try to work during the day? This is madness,”
He adds that Astron Energy is yet to inform the community when the refinery will be up and running.
“At least if we have some sort of time frame as to when they will be done with the construction, it will bring some peace of mind. I’ve sent about a dozen of complaints,” says Mills.
Power dip
Astron Energy says in a statement that they have experienced a power dip on 27 June which led to some of the units coming down.
“We are in the process of restarting the units up. During this time there is a potential for venting noise and visible emissions from the stacks.
“We will be taking every effort to minimise impact to the community during this activity. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause,” the statement reads.
Astron Energy says in a media statement they are in the final steps of a safe full restart of the refinery and plan to fully recommence the production of refined products for supply into the province and the wider South African regions in the coming weeks.
- For any queries, SMS the word “query” or “complaint” to 30786.
