Environmental watchdogs have said they will not hesitate to take further action against the operators of Mossmorran as they continue to review the plant’s performance.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has announced its plan to ensure compliance as it completes its investigation into the Mossmorran operations of Shell UK and ExxonMobil Chemical.
The probe was launched following several incidents of unplanned flaring at the Fife plant during 2017 and 2018.
While the investigation was being carried out, Sepa took measures to ensure controls over noise and vibration were strengthened.
SEPA has completed its investigation into a number of unplanned flaring events at the Mossmorran Complex during 2017 and 2018. Read the Mossmorran Complex investigation update – 27 February 2019: https://t.co/aEA6QSFanD #mossmorran #oneplanetprosperity pic.twitter.com/guhPZJaVnw
— SEPA (@ScottishEPA) February 27, 2019
Variations imposed on operating permits included an evaluation into ways to prevent, or where that is not practical cut, the noise, vibration and smoke emissions associated with flaring.
That evaluation is seen as an essential part of understanding what can be done to stop the unacceptable and preventable impact of flaring in the future.
Both operators are progressing towards completing this by the end of April and Sepa was “committed” to publishing the operators’ final assessments.
Sepa is also carrying out air quality monitoring near the complex with a monitoring point based on a farm to the north east of Mossmorran and air monitoring equipment in communities.
A programme of environmental monitoring is being discussed with the operators and partner organisations.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
SEPA chief executive Terry A’Hearn was clear that compliance was non-negotiable.
“While flaring is an important safety mechanism, and is permitted through permit conditions, the impact of any flaring events must be mitigated so as not to have an unacceptable impact on local communities.
“SEPA remains clear that the flaring in June 2017 was preventable and unacceptable and issued final warning letters to both companies in that regard.
“Communities experienced further unplanning flaring in October 2017, March 2018 and again in May 2018.
“With a firm focus on ensuring stringent compliance and mitigating the impacts of flaring, SEPA has concluded that robust enforcement action taken is currently appropriate and effective.
“The environmental performance of ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell UK will be kept under review and SEPA reserves the right to take further action in line with its enforcement policy,” he added.
SEPA has pledged to keep “good lines of communication” open with groups and communities and have given a commitment to keep the public informed through the Mossmorran hub.
It reiterated that any potential or ongoing pollution incidents, including flaring, should be reported to its hotline on 0800 807060 or via sepa.org.uk/report.
