Another period of elevated flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran will begin on Monday and could last five days, operators have revealed.
Amid ongoing local concerns about the social, environmental and health impacts of the plant’s processes, operator ExxonMobil has confirmed that essential maintenance will be carried out estimated to take no more than five days.
It says that “significant steps” have been taken to reduce the gas flow to the plant, ensuring that the flare volume will be minimised, with engineers working round-the-clock to complete the work safely and as quickly as possible.
Stuart Neill, external affairs manager, said: “We understand that flaring can cause concern, but it is right that we prioritise the continued safe operation of the plant and conduct this essential maintenance.
“I can reassure communities that 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.”
Plant manager Jacob McAlister said the company would work “round the clock” to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.
