VOCM News has received the details of Origin’s pitch for the Come By Chance Refinery and it involves help from both levels of government to do so.

US-based Origin is expressing keen interest in the refinery which has been in warm idle since the spring. Origin argues that if the refinery is put into cold shutdown, the likelihood of restart is “almost zero” causing significant and long-lasting damage to the equipment.

The company wants to acquire the refinery and North Atlantic retail stations with the support of the federal and provincial governments “as soon as possible.”

Origin says time is of the essence not only for jobs and the refinery assets, but to mitigate what it says are immediate environmental risks, including untreated crude ponds that border the sea wall and potential soil contamination in the area.

The company, along with its partners, says Come By Chance is a core part of its long-term strategy, and it will be in operation for years to come.

Origin is looking for federal and provincial capital to co-invest in and co-own Come By Chance, that will include allocating a certain percentage of equity to the employees.

Origin says if no action is taken, the refinery will be turned into an import terminal, fuel prices will rise, and hundreds of jobs will be permanently lost.