A minister has told MSPs calling for an independent inquiry into the “apocalyptic” flaring at Mossmorran chemical plant that she does not see what it would add.
Members raised the issue following works carried out at the plant which caused residents “extreme disturbance” with light and noise pollution.
SNP MSP for Cowdenbeath, Annabelle Ewing, asked the government what was going to be done to tackle the problem, which she said was “giving rise to fear and alarm” among her constituents.
Operators of the Mossmorran petrochemical plant in Fife have apologised to communities after restarting the plant last week.
Huge gas flaring was visible for miles which prompted social media speculation that the plant was actually on fire.
The plant was shut down last year following persistent flaring episodes.
A spokesman said the process of restarting the plant was “safe and controlled”.
Calls for inquiry
Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart said the issue was leaving Fife residents feeling “utterly abandoned” by the Scottish Government.
Labour MSP Alex Rowley called for an independent inquiry, adding: “I was a teenager when that plant was built and I have lived in the communities around it for most of my life.
“I am well aware that unplanned flaring happens when something in the plant breaks.
“The flaring is a safety precaution and if it did not occur, there would be a danger. At a recent public meeting about the plant, a young person asked, ‘Is it safe? Will it blow up?’.
“That links to the question about an independent inquiry, which Fife Council and Annabelle Ewing have raised, which relates to health and well-being.
“There are two issues. First, what is the condition of the plant? People in the area live in fear that one of these days the plant will go up in smoke — they fear the consequences.
“That knocks on to the second issue of health and wellbeing, because the people who live next to the plant are living in fear. That cannot be allowed to continue.”
Minister “not clear” on what inquiry would achieve
Responding to the calls for an independent inquiry, minister for rural affairs and the natural environment Mairi Gougeon said the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is investigating.
She said: “I completely understand the strength of feeling around the issue.
“SEPA has confirmed that it is focused on a rapid conclusion to its independent regulatory investigation, which is being undertaken to an evidential standard.
“SEPA’s enforcement powers are exercised independently of government and in line with SEPA’s publicly available enforcement guidance, in order to maximise transparency.
“It would not be appropriate for me to comment in any way that would prejudice SEPA’s independent regulatory investigation or limit its ability to act.
“However, SEPA has been clear that compliance with Scotland’s environmental laws is non-negotiable.
“Given the action that has already been taken by regulators, the planned investment by the operators and the publication of a recent report by NHS Fife, it is not clear what any independent inquiry would add at this time. However, that will be kept under review.”
