Revamp of oil plant under way on island (From Echo)

Revamp of oil plant under way on island

11:50am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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AN OIL terminal on Canvey is undergoing improvements as part of its multimillion-pound contract with BP.

Work to refurbish storage tanks and upgrade pipe lines is taking place at the Oikos site, in Haven Road, Canvey.

The upgrades come after the terminal secured a contract to store and transfer fuel on behalf of petroleum giant BP.

Campaigners fear the investment will lead to an expansion of the site, which they believe is too close to nearby homes.

However, Colin Horton, managing director of Oikos, has assured residents the improvements will meet the toughest safety requirements. He said: “Our contract with BP is the catalyst for investment in the strategically-vital Canvey site.

“The refurbishment we are undertaking will mean the most demanding standards of safety and sustainability.”

George Whatley, of the People Against Methane Campaign, fears the investment will lead to an increase in capacity at the plant.

He said: “Obviously we are concerned about an increase of activity at the plant.

“The fact remains that if, God forbid, anything were to happen there, there is no way of evacuating the island.”