EXXON/MOBIL have assured the public they want to communicate with communities.

Roger Mullin MP met with senior management of ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant on site on Saturday to discuss concerns raised by constituents about the operation of the plant, recent flaring, and its impact on the communities in its vicinity. 

Amongst the issues discussed were the reasons for flaring, its impact on air quality, the noise disturbances created, the extent to which the plant meets environmental standards, communications with local communities and related issues.

Following the meeting Mr Mullin said: “ExxonMobil have emphasised their willingness to engage and communicate with members of the public and myself to help provide answers to questions and concerns whenever they arise. They have a complaints procedure in place which I am keen to promote amongst my constituents.”

He went on: “But I emphasised a need for better engagement and communication with local residents and I am pleased to say we agreed that, amongst other initiatives, ExxonMobil agreed to hold two separate events where members of the public will be able to visit Fife Ethylene Plant and see for themselves how it works and why flaring occurs. 

"I am committed to working with ExxonMobil to arrange these events and I look forward to sharing further details with my constituents in due course. These will probably be arranged for spring time when circumstances will be more conducive than during winter months.”

Senior management explained during the meeting that that the recent flaring was part of a planned shutdown of the facility in order to perform vital safety checks and work, and that the shutdown had gone to plan and was considered a success. 

Whilst admitting that the flaring seen in recent weeks was much more protracted than normal, they advised that this should not re-occur for four years. 

Senior Management also averred that air quality around Mossmorran is consistently within acceptable levels, and that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency have been involved in recent noise monitoring.

Mr Mullin confirmed that he will examine their findings in detail once published. He also indicated he would send details of particular issues as and when constituents raise them for a company response.

Fife Ethylene Plant is an important local employer, with over 100 of its employees living with six miles of the plant.  It also contributes around £28million to the local economy each year.

Mr Mullin concluded: “I am keen to support the continued success of ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant whilst ensuring that safety is its number one priority, and the local communities are not adversely impacted by its operation. 

"I very much welcome local scrutiny from the community and will continue to engage with the company and press for a further raising of standards.”

 “I would encourage anyone with concerns in the meantime to contact my office or ExxonMobil directly on 01383 846341.”