Final warning letters sent to chemical firms for flares

● Sepa acts over breach of controls at Mossmorran

0 Flames and black smoke were seen belching from the Mossmorran plant leading to Sepa sending out warnings to operators Two major petrochemical companies have been served with final warning notices over an unplanned flaring incident at a chemical plant.

Black smoke was seen coming from the Mossmorran complex in Fife with nearby residents complaining of noise and vibration during the incident in June 2017.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) received 74 complaints.

Following an intensive investigation,

ORKNEY

Sepa found that environmental controls were breached during the incident and has served Exxonmobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Limited with Final Warning Letters.

Exxonmobil Chemical and Shell UK said they were cooperating with Sepa and have worked to address the issues.

Sepa found that whilst 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 12 and 18 June, 2017 following the breakdown of a condensate pump.

Sepa has commissioned a full review of the environmen- tal permits to operate both sites at the complex and has also announced an enhanced programme of air quality monitoring.

Terry A’hearn, Sepa’s chief executive officer, said: “The impact of unplanned flaring from Mossmorran last year was both preventable and unacceptable.

“We’re disappointed that both Exxonmobil Chemical and Shell UK caused an environmental impact on local communities which is why we’ve issued formal Final Warning Letters, have commissioned a full review of environmental permits to operate and an enhanced programme of air quality monitoring.

“It’s 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.

“We’ll be working with the Health and Safety Executive, public health partners and communities to together both strengthen environmental controls and deliver powerful transparency over site operations.”

Sepa said that unplanned flaring events which took place in October 2017 and March 2018 are still under investigation.