The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
New period of flaring is due to start today
Residents have voiced their anger after another period of flaring at Mossmorran over the weekend, with more to come.
Operators ExxonMobil confirmed more elevated flaring will be carried out from today due to essential maintenance which could take up to five days.
It says “significant steps” have been taken to reduce gas flow to the plant to minimise the flare, with engineers working around the clock to complete work safely and as quickly as possible.
Stuart Neill, external affairs manager, said: “We understand flaring can cause concern, but it is right we prioritise the continued safe operation of the plant and conduct this essential maintenance.
“I can reassure communities flaring is a safe and permitted part of the plant’s operating systems, and allows us to maintain steady operations while our team conduct this work.
“We have fully considered local communities within our planning, taking actions to ensure the flare has a reduced volume.
“We apologise to anyone concerned by the flaring, and thank our local communities for their patience and understanding.”
The news comes after intermittent flaring was seen at the plant on Saturday, and that came just a day after the Mossmorran Working Group met representatives from ExxonMobil and Shell who outlined plans to reduce the impact of flaring on communities.
Operators have pledged to invest in new flare tips and the development of ground flares, and local Labour MP Lesley Laird described the meeting as a “real breakthrough”.
“The proof of course is always in how that is taken forward, how that is implemented and what it will really mean for people in their communities,” she said.
But James Glen, from the Mossmorran Action Group, said: “Locals, out and about enjoying the glorious weather at the start of the school holidays, are anxiously watching the skies.
“The news about replacing flare tips for the elevated stack is positive, but we’ve been here before in 2012 when we were promised new flare tips would minimise impacts.”