DEWEY, Okla. — If all goes to plan, an oil refinery will soon open on a plot of land northeast of Dewey.
The city purchased the land several years ago, thinking it was ripe for opportunity. They seem to have been correct. After some hard work and questions, the refinery's opening seems near.
“Economic development is a very competitive market,” Mayor Tom Hays said, “So we felt real fortunate to even be at the table.”
Hays and City Manager Kevin Trease began working this years ago, starting with the initial purchase of the land. They expect the refinery will bring 50 to 100 jobs to town and a nice influx of cash.
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Tom Miller lives near the property.
“Nothing I can do about it,” Miller said, “Could be good revenue for Dewey and maybe Washington county.”
Miller’s been following the plans closely.
Listening to him, 2 News learned he’s not totally sold, but is looking at the bright side.
2 News heard from some of Miller's neighbors. They’ve got some reservations of their own.
Trease addressed those concerns. He said the proposed refinery is of the ‘net-zero emission' variety, which means nothing will flow outside from the building.
“I do not believe it’s going to be an eyesore,” Trease said, “I’ve seen one plant – an aerial of one plant – already in operation in California. It’s a nice, clean process.
Trease and Hays say the city will lease the land to Clean Refineries Incorporated. They say the revenue from the lease will go toward fixing Dewey’s roads and other infrastructure.
“That would be great,” Miller said of the plans.
The city council and the refinery operators are still hashing out the final details, and there is no concrete timeline.
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