Fawley refinery 'massive boom' sparks calls for public scrutiny

Sirens sounded and firefighters at nearby Hardley were placed on alert following a "massive boom" that rattled windows and sparked widespread alarm in the area.

It was the latest in a series of incidents at the huge petro-chemical complex.

Homes near Fawley refinery were shaken by a huge bang that occurred on Friday evening (Image: Stephen Bath)

Last November the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation after an incident involving the collapse of a 100-tonne steel platform and a leak of liquid petroleum gas.

Last month 100 litres of residual gas oil leaked from a pipe and contaminated part of Southampton Water.

READ MORE: Images show impact of 'major incident' at Fawley refinery

In recent months the repeated use of Fawley's flares, described as the refinery's safety valve, has also caused concern.

The latest incident occurred at 8.40pm on Friday and caused a huge bang that was heard for miles around.

Homes near Fawley refinery were shaken by a huge bang that occurred on Friday evening (Image: Stephen Bath)

ExxonMobil has dismissed suggestions of an explosion, saying the noise resulted from the sudden release of air from a pressurised line.

But the huge bang has sparked calls for New Forest District Council to reinstate its environmental protection liaison committee.

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade said: "It would allow industry to be held to account in an open forum, as well as give them a platform to demonstrate how they are working to protect the local environment."

READ MORE: Fawley refinery oil leak pollutes part of Southampton Water

Marchwood county councillor David Harrison added: "Local people will naturally be worried about what has happened.

"This isn't one isolated incident at the refinery, there have been others. I think it necessary for the management to open themselves to scrutiny so that local councillors can satisfy themselves about public safety."

The refinery occupies a huge site between Southampton Water and residential areas in Blackfield and Holbury (Image: ExxonMobil)

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said: "Any loud unscheduled noise at such a sensitive site is bound to cause alarm.

"Though this episode involved a shut-down unit, the sooner the cause is identified the more assured the community can be."

In a statement ExxonMobil said: "There was no risk to communities, there have been no injuries and operations are continuing as normal."

But scores of people took to social media, saying the bang could be heard as far afield as Romsey and Cadnam.

One person posted: "It is not unreasonable for community representatives to want to ask questions and seek reassurance."

Another added: "It's about time our local council called senior Exxon managers to a public meeting to answer our concerns."