Mobil says it will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of a leak from its Altona refinery early Thursday morning.
About 30 firefighters and Hazmat crews wearing breathing apparatus attended the Millers Road plant after security reported a leak about 3am.
Part of Millers and Korororoit Creek roads were blocked off for public safety.
MFB spokesman Steve Moore said the leak was found to be a mixture of hydrogen and naptha, a flammable liquid hydrocarbon.
“Specialist Hazmat crews responded and advice was sought from the MFB scientific officer,” he said.
He said crews could not isolate the leak for several hours.
Mr Moore said Mobil crews replaced the contents of the leaking pipe with an inert gas – nitrogen – allowing the leak to be sealed.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus sprayed the area with water to disperse the leaking fuel.
The air was monitored for several hours.
Mobil spokeswoman Melanie Saliba said the cause of the leak would be thoroughly investigated.
“Mobil quickly responded to safely contain the onsite release and is currently preparing the affected unit for repair,” she said.
“The MFB were immediately notified and promptly attended to assist Mobil in responding to this incident.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the release and apologise for any convenience or concern that this incident may have caused our neighbours.”
