Mossmorran may face legal action over flaring

Sepa reports Fife Ethylene Plant to prosecutors following 900 complaints in 2019

The operators of the Mossmorran plant could face prosecution for the flaring which brought misery to homes in Fife last year.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency revealed last night that it was submitting a report to the Crown Office recommending legal action against ExxonMobil.

It comes after more than 900 complaints were lodged in connection with a bout of prolonged flaring at the site near Cowdenbeath in April 2019 – the highest number ever received about a single incident.

Sepa chief executive Terry A’Hearn said: “Compliance with Scotland’s environmental laws is simply non-negotiable.”

ExxonMobil said it would consider its next move and insisted it complied with all laws, rules and regulations.

Scottish Greens environment spokesperson and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said families had been put through “hell”.

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

TERRY A’HEARN

A prosecution could be brought against the operators of the Mossmorran chemical plant following prolonged flaring last year.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) last night said it is taking legal action over the episode.

A report will be submitted to the Crown Office in connection with seven days of unscheduled flaring in April 2019 which resulted in more than 900 complaints, the most Sepa has ever received over a single event.

It came after ExxonMobil had been sent a final warning letter in 2018 over “preventable and unacceptable” flaring at the petrochemical plant near Cowdenbeath the year before.

Sepa chief executive Terry A’Hearn said: “Over a number of years, communities across Fife have repeatedly endured unplanned flaring.

“Whilst flaring is an important safety mechanism of such facilities, it must become the exception, rather than routine.

“People rightly expect that their lives won’t be impacted by nearby industrial processes and yet again, over an extended period during Easter 2019, communities were impacted by unacceptable and preventable flaring. It’s right that we take enforcement action. What is just as important is that ExxonMobil address the root-causes of ‘unacceptable flaring’.”

The plant was shut down for a time last year to allow for essential maintenance.

ExxonMobil has said it has spent £140 million on upgrades.

Last night a spokesperson said: “Having only received the communication from Sepa late (on Wednesday) evening, we will now take the time to fully consider its content.

“Wherever we operate, we comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.”

Sepa said the plant would still be kept under continual review during the coronavirus pandemic.

The environmental regulator will continue to work with Fife Council on issues such as monitoring and community liaison, as well as with the Health and Safety Executive.

Independent technical advisers will be brought in to help assess ExxonMobil’s plans for new ground flare installations.

Scottish Greens environment spokesman and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said: “I heard from so many constituents during this time, families who endured six days of hell and more since. I’m relieved that their voices have been heard and action taken.”

Conservative councillor for Cowdenbeath Darren Watt said: “This is very welcome news. The first of the unscheduled flaring goes all the way back to 2017, so it’s been a long time coming.

“The reluctance to accept responsibility or liability by ExxonMobil has been quite disappointing.”

Picture: Steve Brown. Sepa said flaring must become the exception, rather than routine.