Australian chemical giant Orica (ASX: ORI) reopened on Tuesday its ammonia plant in Kooragang Island. The facility was shuttered in August after hexavalent chromium spilled on Hunter River and to more than 70 homes in Stockton.

Orica finished the plant repairs before Christmas and started testing last week. The firm hired independent technology experts to assist in the restart of the plant.

"We will take as long as is necessary with the restart to ensure that the ammonia plant is started safely," Orica Site Manager Sean Winstone said in a statement.

He said the firm is committed to keep the community and customers informed about the plant's safety through text messages and email updates for residents who registered with Orica for updates.

Besides the hexavalent chromium accident, Orica also suffered an ammonia leak which led to the closure of its nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants in early November. The two facilities were fixed and eventually restarted.

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell warned Orica that it would lose its license if the firm failed to follow environmental regulations or if there would be any more leaks.

"We have been part of the Newcastle community for 40 years and we want to be here for a long time in to the future and we realise that the only way we are going to do that is with the trust of the community and this is the starting point for us," Mr Winstone added.

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