Company apologises after 'non-toxic' dust covers homes

EET Fuels (formerly Essar) owns and runs the Stanlow plant

A company which owns an oil refinery in Cheshire has apologised to residents after a "fallout episode" left homes with layers of dust.

The incident in Ellesmere Port left vehicles and properties in the area coated with "non-toxic dust", the firm said.

EET Fuels (formerly Essar), which owns and runs the Stanlow plant, said the dust released from the site on Tuesday afternoon was caused by an “unplanned shut down” of a process unit.

It said that while the dust was not hazardous, there would be further disruption including "noise and flaring".

A statement from the refinery said: "We know that this type of incident can cause distress, and we would like to assure you that this dust is non-toxic and non-hazardous and does not pose any health or safety risks".

Smoke and clouds of dust were captured billowing from the plant pipes

It said the source of the dust release had been "identified and effectively managed" but warned that due to a planned restart, residents may continue to experience increased levels of noise and flaring.

"Please be assured that this activity is being undertaken in a safe and controlled manner," the firm added.

The town’s MP Justin Madders said on X that he had been contacted by constituents concerned about air quality following the incident.

He said he would be discussing the issue with the Environment Agency.

Cheshire West and Chester and Council leader Louise Gittins said there had been “frustration" surrounding communications on the matter.

"We don’t find out when it happens. We found out five hours after it had happened officially, but in the mean time had found out via social media with concerned residents in Ellesmere Port and Chester before that," she said.

"We are involving our director of public health as well to make sure everything is okay from a public health perspective.”