UPDATE 1-Valero to start FCC work at Three Rivers refinery

(Recasts, updates with Valero statement, details)

HOUSTON, May 16 (Reuters) - Valero Energy Corp (VLO.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Friday a 24,000 barrel per day (bpd) gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracking unit will be shut at its 100,000-bpd Three Rivers, Texas, refinery.

Valero spokesman Bill Day said the work, which Valero notified state pollution regulators would begin on Friday, was on the plant's cat cracker.

A source familiar with refinery operations said the planned repairs would be made to a standpipe on the FCC.

The work is expected to last through May 26, according to the notice filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by David Gregorio)