Refineries to hold emergency response drills

WEST BOUNTIFUL — Holly Oil will hold an emergency response drill run by the Salt Lake Valley Mutual Aid Group Thursday morning. From 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., 800 West will be closed to through traffic; only residents and Holly’s regular trucks will be allowed through between 500 South and 400 North.

According to Holly’s Web site, members of the Mutual Aid Group and other organizations participating with Holly in the exercise include the South Davis Metro Fire Department, the West Bountiful and Woods Cross police departments, the Tesoro, Chevron, Flying J, and Silver Eagle refineries and Pioneer Pipeline.

Steve Hollis, safety health and security manager for Holly, said each refinery has its own emergency response team but this drill is for the refineries to practice working together, jointly using all of their equipment.

He said the drill will simulate an explosion and fire in a large gasoline storage tank and the potential release of gasoline into Mill Creek. Holly’s Web site said the refinery’s fire and evacuation alarms will sound off as part of the drill.

“We don’t want to disrupt the neighbors any more than we have to. People will see lots of activity and a lot of emergency equipment traveling to Holly, but it’s all just a drill,” Hollis said.

Drill details have been posted on the Holly Web site, www.hollycorp.com.

Those with questions regarding the exercise should call Holly’s 24-hour Community Care Line at (801) 299-6644 or (801) 560-5511.