Space is limited for refinery open house at Cherry Point

The BP Cherry Point Refinery is hosting an open house, giving members of the public a chance to see how the refinery operates and to meet some of its workers.

The open house will take place on Friday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited, so those interested in attending the free event are urged to visit bpopenhouse.com and RSVP as soon as possible. Children 10 or older are permitted with a parent or legal guardian only.

When registering online, participants will be able to reserve their spot on a bus tour. Starting at 10 a.m. and leaving every 20 minutes from the BP Cherry Point Recreation Area, the bus tours will take attendees through the heart of the refinery, showing them how the refinery’s fuels are manufactured, processed, stored and distributed.

According to its website, the facility first opened in 1971 and refines crude oil from around the world. It can process up to 236,000 barrels each day, roughly 90 percent of which emerges as transportation fuel, including jet fuel.

“We’re a major employer in the county, and the fuels we produce are important to the region, so it’s important that people know about our business and how it’s run safely,” said BP spokesperson Pam Brady.

Photo ID is required to gain entry into the event, which will take place rain or shine. All attendees must wear closed-toed shoes and consent to be photographed. The event will include free coffee and pastries in the morning, and a complimentary picnic lunch in the afternoon.