Mossmorran flaring breached licences, new report to say

Final warning letters have been served on ExxonMobil and Shell by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency following last June’s serious flaring incident at Mossmorran

During the incident, black smoke and flames could be seen for miles. Considerable disturbance was caused to householders.

In addition, the environmental watchdog has commissioned a full review of the environmental permits to operate both sites. An enhanced programme of air quality monitoring has also been announced by the regulator.

A report will be published today, following an intensive investigation by SEPA which found that while flaring is an important safety feature in the event of a process fault, a series of maintenance failures led to elevated levels of unplanned flaring in breach of environmental controls between June 12 and 18, following the breakdown of a condensate pump.

The unplanned flaring prompted 74 complaints to SEPA.

Since then there have been two further incidents, in October and last month, which are still under investigation.

SEPA’s chief executive Terry A’Hearn met senior ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Limited executives on site and was clear that “environmental compliance is non-negotiable”.

“The impact of unplanned flaring from Mossmorran last year was both preventable and unacceptable,” he said.

SEPA was “disappointed” that both ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell UK caused an environmental impact on local communities.

“It is clear that further actions are required by ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell UK to ensure the frequency and impact of flaring is reduced, but we’re encouraged by how both companies have responded, committing to respond positively to a strengthening of environmental controls.”

Sepa will now be working with the Health and Safety Executive, public health partners and communities to strengthen environmental controls and deliver “powerful transparency” over site operations.