Ravensdown Awatoto Works back to normal

Plant operations have returned to normal today following yesterday’s fire at Ravensdown’s Napier Works. The site was handed back from the Fire Service at 7:20pm last night.

All staff have returned to work and normal site operations have resumed.

“The isolated building where the fire occurred has no visual damage and will be assessed for any minor damage today, with a thorough examination to ensure it is safe for staff to enter,” Ravensdown CEO Greg Campbell says.

The air in the building has been tested regularly overnight with readings indicating the air is back to normal with no detectable sulphur dioxide found. Personal will not be entering the building until the structure has been accessed and formally signed off.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the emergency services for their efforts in containing the fire and ensuring all personal were safe and damage to buildings was restricted. They also took control of the situation in communicating with the local community and ensuring their safety. Also our staff, who followed our emergency procedures, which we practice regularly.”

The sulphuric acid plant continued to operate through the incident, but superphosphate manufacture ceased for the night shift and is now available again for production. There will be no impact of fertiliser supplies from the plant. The water used to put out the fire has been captured in Ravensdown’s internal system.

“A thorough investigation as to what occurred will commence today, and any actions required implemented,” Greg says, “I would like to apologise to those affected in the Napier community.”

ENDS

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