Top-level inquiry into chemical plant flaring

Probe announced after final warning issued to operators

The Mossmorran chemical plant will be the focus of a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

The inquiry was announced yesterday after Sepa served final warnings on operators ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell UK.

Operating permit variations will also be served next week, requiring the companies to strengthen controls on noise and vibration.

It follows prolonged flaring in June last year, which Sepa described as “preventable and unacceptable”.

Residents from miles around complained of disruption from the site.

Some said the flaring, which went on for nine days and is part of the plant’s safety system, kept them awake and raised concerns about the impact on residents’ health.

Further unplanned flaring events in October 2017 and March and May this year are under investigation by Sepa.

The agency’s chief executive Terry A’Hearn announced the joint inquiry following a meeting in Kirkcaldy with locals and politicians. He said: “We were clear that unplanned flaring in June 2017 was preventable and unacceptable and we issued final warnings to both companies in that regard.

“Despite that, communities have endured further unplanned flaring.

“We’ve listened carefully to community calls for a root and branch review and today’s announcement of a joint investigation by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive will examine issues at both sites.”

He added: “People want action not words. We’re listening to the community and it’s important companies do too.”

Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley said: “People will be pleased to see the whole issue is being taken far more seriously.

“We also need to keep pushing for air quality monitoring in all the communities around the plant.”

Lesley Laird, MP, said the inquiry was “a victory for residents”.

A spokesman for ExxonMobil said: “We are committed to being a valued member of the local community and were pleased to participate in today’s community meeting. We are engaging positively with community representatives, other local bodies and the regulators to address any concerns.

“We comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and fully recognise the importance of regulating the operation of a plant of the scale and complexity of FEP in order to minimise the impact on the surrounding communities and the wider environment.

“Our operations are governed by our permit from Sepa and we have a longstanding record of good compliance with our operating permit. We will be working with Sepa, the HSE and local interests to ensure our operating scope is clearly defined and understood.”

We were clear that unplanned flaringin June2017 was preventable and unacceptable and we issued final warnings to both companies in that regard. Despite that, communities have endured further unplanned flaring. TERRY A’HEARN