Strong odour at Marabella

Silk Cotton Road adjoins the Guaracara River which runs parallel to the refinery and was also the site of an oil spill in 2014.

In a media statement issued late on Thursday evening, Petrotrin stated that at 5.27pm, residents called the company to complain of a foul smell and immediately “members of the company’s HSE personnel visited the area to conduct air testing and monitor the situation.” “Residents who experienced discomfort were taken to Augustus Long Hospital for medical review and discharged at 9.00pm,” Petrotrin stated, adding, “as a precautionary measure, two families with infant children were temporarily relocated.” And interviewed later on Thursday, Lorna Simon Sylvan, who lives at 34 Silk Cotton Rd, Battoo Avenue Marabella, said her family was greeted by a strong odour emanating from the refinery upon arrival at their home.

“We live right behind Petrotrin and we came home this evening and the scent is killing us, my two daughters are presently at the Augustus Long Hospital with headaches and tightening of the chest,” she said.

“Petrotrin need to step up and do something with the people in this area here because this thing is always happening,” she said.

Another resident, Steve Gopaul said he almost fainted from the odour adding, “I felt I could have fainted” and I have to go and get some little thing to drink, it started to burn my throat, and my eyes and I started to feel dizzy and it was really very terrible for a long while.” In a further statement yesterday, Petrotrin noted that air quality tests continued to be conducted in the area and those persons who had been temporarily relocated as a precautionary measure had returned to their homes.

“Last evening the company’s HSE, Fire and Medical departments responded to calls by affected residents and measures were taken to address their concerns. Those requiring medical attention were treated at company’s Augustus Long Hospital and discharged.

“Members of two families were temporarily relocated for the night and they have since returned to their homes,” Petrotrin stated.