Operators must deal with impact of flaring

Mossmorran operators have been told to deal with unacceptable impacts of flaring as soon as possible.

Environment agency Sepa served permit variations on both ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK requiring them to implement best available techniques in the shortest time frame possible.

Changes demanded will require significant investment but Sepa said they would make flaring – a necessary safety feature – an exception rather than routine.

People living near the site by Cowdenbeath have complained of severe disruption from flaring during a series of what are termed process upsets.

ExxonMobil, which operates Fife Ethylene Plant, was set a deadline of two months to produce a plan for new ground flare technology.

Shell was told to provide its plan for a totally enclosed ground flare system by the end of January 2020.

Installation of noise reducing flare tips are also required to be installed by ExxonMobil in 2020 and in 2021 for Shell, which runs Fife NGL Plant.

Ian Buchanan, of Sepa, said: “We’ve moved to vary the operating permits of both ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell to require them to take action in the shortest possible time frame.

“Addressing the unacceptable impacts will require substantial investments of which both companies are fully aware.

“People rightly expect that their lives won’t be impacted by nearby industrial processes.

“Most also recognise that addressing the root causes won’t happen overnight.

“We want and expect ExxonMobil Chemical to move faster.”

Jacob McAlister, ExxonMobil’s manager at Fife Ethylene Plant, said significant progress had already been made, , with 12 steps prioritised to prevent the need to flare.

Picture: Steve Brown. Mossmorran flaring.