Chemical plant to be investigated over ‘flaring’

The Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife is to be investigated following a serious flaring incident.

Bright flames and black smoke were seen coming from the plant’s main chimney during a sevenday incident last June.

Local residents also complained of extreme noise and vibrations during further incidents in October and March 2017 and again in May 2018.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and Health and Safety Executive will carry out the investigation.

Operator Exxonmobil has apologised to residents. for the latest incident at the plant near Cowdenbeath.

It has already been issued with final warnings by Sepa over the June flarings.

Sepa chief executive Terry A’hearn announced the investigation after attending a community meeting in Kirkcaldy.