Calumet Montana is conducting routine maintenance activities this week in Great Falls.

Residents will notice increased flaring and elevated noise levels due to the work, according to Calumet.

Maintenance is a component of the refinery’s ongoing efforts to reliably and efficiently operate the facility and maintain safe operations, according to Calumet.

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“Calumet Montana understands that this week’s maintenance activities may cause a temporary inconvenience and appreciates the understanding and patience of its neighbors as it conducts this critical work,” the refinery said in a release.

Calumet contacted The Electric on May 28 about a photo circulating on Nextdoor about a piece of equipment at the refinery.

Lanni Klasner, Calumet spokeswoman said that:

• the photo on Nextdoor shows a piece of equipment that is releasing steam and there are many steam release points in the refinery
• the structure is not semi-collapsed or compromised in any way nor is the discoloration of the pipe a defect
• “Calumet is committed to safe and reliable operations. We monitor the plant closely and immediately address urgent equipment needs as they arise.”
• “We operate within all regulatory guidelines. No harmful gases or materials are being released from this equipment.”
• There is no cause for concern for safety stemming from the plant.

She said that community members with questions could contact Calumet directly at greatfallscommunity@calumet.com.

Klasner said Calumet was notified of the photo by Jane Weber, a local state legislator, who recommended that the refinery offer a tour to Great Falls Fire Chief Jeremy Jones.

Klasner said she called Jones on May 28 and offered him a tour.

She said that based on her explanation and his relationship with the refinery’s safety team, which includes retired GFFR firefighter Bob Shupe, he wasn’t concerned and declined.

The steam release isn’t part of the routine maintenance going on this week, she said.

The piece of equipment in question utilizes renewable feedstocks, to produce the hydrogen needed for renewable fuel production processes, Klasner told The Electric.

The hole visible in the photo on Nextdoor is the steam vent and not damage, she said.