The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘Apocalyptic’ flaring at plant was ‘unexpected’
Scores of complaints received over intense bright light coming from petrochemical site amid fears over pollution
“Apocalyptic” flaring at a Fife petrochemical plant on Thursday was due to a problem with a process unit and reduced capacity of ground flares, it has emerged.
Scores of complaints were received about the intense bright light caused by a massive flare at the Mossmorran petrochemical complex near Cowdenbeath, which could be seen from up to 70 miles away.
People living near the site said they were “worried sick” and claimed they had been “utterly abandoned” by Scottish ministers who had refused to come to the area to listen to residents’ concerns.
Exxonmobil has apologised and said the flaring was part of the operation to restart the plant, which has been closed since August due to failed boilers.
The restart is now likely to continue into the weekend.
Environment watchdog Sepa has now revealed the four hours of flaring was unplanned and unexpected and has acknowledged the high level of community anxiety it caused.
Head of environmental performance Chris Dailly said: “Thursday’s unplanned flaring during Exxonmobil Chemical’s restart at Mossmorran is a real reminder of why short and medium-term solutions are critical to addressing the root causes of unacceptable flaring.
“While elevated flaring is a possibility during restart, it was not expected last night.”
He said that while initial data suggested there had been no breach of air quality standards, noise and air monitoring would continue across local areas.
“We accept that flaring is causing people worry, anxiety and stress,” Mr Dailly said.
“The short and medium-term investment we’re requiring the operators to make, from noise-reducing flare tips in 2020 and 2021 and planning, designing then delivering new ground flare capacity will make a real difference to local communities.”
“We appreciate communities want action, not words, which is why we’re focused on rapid conclusion of regulatory investigation to an evidential standard and next steps in driving systemic change at Mossmoran.”
James Glen, chairman of the Mossmorran Action Group, said the flaring had been “apocalyptic” and branded it unacceptable.
“Residents feel utterly abandoned by the Scottish Government and (environmental watchdog) Sepa, who are letting multinational Exxon get away with murder,” he said.
“Our Facebook page and Twitter feeds have blown up. People are petrified.
“They can’t breathe properly, they are worried sick about the pollution spewing from the plant and have been left completely in the dark about what is going on.”
He added: “Ministers are in hiding and have consistently refused to come to the area to hear from local communities while ministers hobnob with Exxon and applaud the investment in the plant, investment that became inevitable after the maintenance of the plant was so neglected... the ethylene plant was forced to shut down for six months.”
Exxonmobil dismissed Mr Glen’s comments as baseless, claiming they were designed to scare people, and insisted the flaring had been safe.
External affairs manager Stuart Neill said: “We recognise that the surrounding steam and light causes a dramatic visual effect but the use of the flare was completely safe and controlled at all times.
“The elevated flaring was addressed within four hours and we are committed to safely completing the restart as soon as practicable, while avoiding flaring wherever possible.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We fully appreciate the concerns and anxieties of the local community regarding flaring at Mossmorran and we are clear that the frequency of unplanned flaring is unacceptable.
“The Scottish Government is continuing to monitor the situation closely through regular contact with Sepa and others who have statutory responsibilities in relation to the plant.”
It is far from unreasonable for householders to expect peace and quiet in the comfort of their own homes. But residents faced severe disruption this week as operations resumed at Fife Ethylene Plant.
Gas flaring from Mossmorran’s flare tip set the night sky aglow and led to fears a fire had broken out at the facility.
Site operator Exxonmobil took to social media to quash rumours of a blaze, saying the flaring was safe and controlled and apologising for any inconvenience.
But the environmental watchdog Sepa made it abundantly clear that Thursday night’s flaring episode was far beyond what had been expected in advance.
The irony was not lost that Mossmorran was shut-in last year after concerns about repeated flaring episodes.
Last autumn, Exxonmobil pledged £140 million of investment to modernise the facility and reduce negative impacts on the community in which it is located.
But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the first bite of the new regime at Mossmorran has left a sour taste.
The plant is a key piece of Scotland’s industrial infrastructure and creates jobs and wealth.
It has in the past, and can again in the future, have a positive impact on the neighbouring community.
But Exxonmobil has to demonstrate that progress is being made in its quest to be a good neighbour.
Any repeat of Thursday night’s worrying episode will do nothing to improve confidence and community relations.