What is it?
- Crude oil refinery that in 2007 received approval to double capacity to approximately 600,000 barrels a day.
- After the expansion it will be one of the largest refineries in the world, producing enough petrol to fill more than a million cars a day.
- Expansion expected to generate $17 billion of new economic development in south-east Texas.
- Expansion will create about 4,500 construction jobs and around 300 permanent jobs for full-time staff when finished.
- Owned and operated by Motiva Enterprises, a 50:50 joint venture with Saudi Aramco.
REFINERY-SUPPORTED TRAINING FOR
PORT ARTHUR ADULTS
Announced in 2007, the expansion of the Motiva Port Arthur Refinery is equivalent to building a major new modern refinery. This project is a big opportunity for this economically disadvantaged community and Motiva is working hard to ensure the neighbourhood and the environment benefit.
The expansion will use the latest refining technology and replace some existing systems, reducing a number of the site’s air emissions. Discharge of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, for example, will be more than 270 tonnes lower each year even while refinery output doubles. This work is part of a long-term environmental plan. It builds on the millions of dollars that have been invested in pollution control equipment over the last decade. These investments are now showing clear results. For example, in 2007 the refinery flared 78% less often than in 2003.
Motiva has worked with the city, schools and universities, community interest and employment groups to recruit and train qualified people to take full advantage of the job opportunities presented by the expansion. Many local sub-contractors have already been hired for the project and the main recruitment effort will begin in 2008.
Tackling the causes of local social problems like unemployment and lack of access to health care, takes time and the co-operation of the whole community. To help, Motiva is donating $2 million to establish the Port Arthur Communities Fund. This will support projects to revitalise the neighbourhood near the refinery’s fenceline. A committee from across the community will oversee the fund’s work.
These efforts build on the strong work done with the community over the last five years. Since 2002, the refinery has had a team of five environmental co-ordinators, who provide information about the refinery’s activities to neighbours and are available to respond to their concerns 24 hours a day. A community advisory panel of 17 residents meets quarterly to review the refinery’s plans and provide comment on its environmental and social programmes.
Having community support significantly helped in obtaining regulatory approval for Port Arthur’s expansion.
STEVE FITZGIBBONS
PORT ARTHUR CITY MANAGER
“The selection of Port Arthur as the site for Motiva’s major expansion is, I believe, the most important and positive event for the city’s future that I have seen in my 12 years as city manager. The expansion includes safety and environmental efforts, continuing progress made by the refinery in recent years. Motiva has also taken the lead in helping to prepare our residents and businesses for the economic opportunities generated by the project, through the creation of the Motiva Academy, sponsorship of local initiatives to develop the workforce, contractor forums and other training.”
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