WORK is progressing on repairs to the mechanical problem which has caused an extensive period of flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant.

At approximately 6am today, the safety mechanism for the main compressor on-site activated, shutting down the compressor as a precaution.

This compressor takes the gases from the furnaces progressing them to the next stage of the process. #

With this compressor shut down, it meant that gas on-site was safely routed to the elevated flare.

Sonia Bingham, Plant Manager at the Fife Ethylene Plant, said: “Work to resolve the situation is proceeding well and we anticipate the process of re-starting the plant will commence in the next few hours.

"The re-start is likely to take between 24 to 36 hours, during which time flaring will be necessary to ensure the safety of the plant.

"We are working in full consultation with SEPA and are doing all we can to reduce the rates of flaring during this period which helps minimise the impact on the local community.

“I would like to apologise to the local communities for the unplanned flaring occurring at the Fife Ethylene Plant. I would also like to reassure the communities that we are doing all we can to minimise flaring and any disturbance or inconvenience in the local area. Safety and environmental protection are our highest priorities as we work to resolve this issue and return

FEP to its normal operations as soon as possible.”

She aded: “While we recognise that flaring can cause concern in the local community, it is a vital safety system and there is no danger to local communities or our own workforce".