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WOODS CROSS -- The Silver Eagle Refinery in Woods Cross is attempting to reassure its neighbors and get part of the plant back in operation, but some residents aren't buying it.
The refinery had a major accident last November, a blast that damaged dozens of nearby homes. The company is trying to get permission to reopen just a portion of the plant right now, about a quarter of it that's relatively safer because it uses lower pressures.
Silver Eagle hired an engineering firm to study the worst case scenario if only that one unit is in operation. The study found that the worst explosion would do only slight damage to windows, Sheetrock and two-by-fours in a nearby school, businesses and homes.
"There are no projected losses of life," says Silver Eagle Vice President Michael Redd. "There is some slight damage to the nearest homes, but nothing life-threatening and no structural damage."
Some neighbors are still waiting for repairs from the November explosion. They aren't exactly reassured by the study. Trina Patterson calls it disheartening.
"There could be broken windows again, and could be Sheetrock damage, which equals an explosion. So, once again, we are at risk," Patterson says.
Company officials say they hope to restart the refinery in stages, doing a similar study on the dangers at each step of the way.
"I would just as soon that they never start it back up, but they've got to do a lot better job with maintenance," says refinery neighbor Alan Seegmiller.
Silver Eagle is seeking approval from government agencies one step at a time.
"We had told them what we would do and ensure to do our best to have a safe operation," Redd says. "Like any other business, if we're following the laws, obeying the rules and demonstrate a professional, safe operation that, like any business, we ought to be allowed to operate."
"I think if the refinery and the city cannot put down in writing that we will be safe, then one of us shouldn't be here," Patterson says. "Either the refinery should go or the refinery should buy our homes."
Patterson says the company has one of the worst safety records, with many violations.
Company officials acknowledge they don't have the best record, but promise a safer operation in the future.
At least some neighbors would rather live somewhere else.
E-mail: jhollenhorst@ksl.com
