WORK is continuing around the clock to restore normal operations as soon as possible at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP), at Mossmorran, while minimising the size of the flare and any disturbance to local communities.

The flare was still in operation this afternoon as a repair team worked to fix the faulty pump that caused the problem more than 36 hours ago.

Sonia Bingham, ExxonMobil Chemical Limited FEP plant manager, said this afternoon: “Good progress is

being made as our maintenance team and specialist supplier work around the clock to resolve the issue.

"The failed pump is being repaired utilising the available spares needed and we will then commence the commissioning of the pump into operation.”

Ethylene production is a complex industrial process – there are over 200 pumps at FEP – and the

work to bring the new pump into operation will involve (amongst other things) cooling it to -30oC.

Added Sonia: "Providing there are no complications, we expect to resume normal operations within two days.

"The flaring is necessary following a mechanical issue with the pump located towards the end of the ethylene production process.

"As well as working to minimise the size of the flare and any disturbance, we are conducting noise monitoring in the local communities.

"We understand that SEPA is also monitoring noise (and also air quality) in the local communities and its latest statement on this work is available here.

The emergency services attended the site for around three hours on Saturday evening as a

precaution while we isolated the pump, per our standard procedure. As soon as the pump was isolated, the emergency services were stood down.

"The flare is an essential part of the plant’s safety systems, which is designed specifically to handle gas when there is an interruption to the production process, and there is no danger to local communities or employees.

"Safety and environmental protection are our highest priorities and we will do all we can to keep flaring to a minimum".

She concluded: "We are working closely with SEPA as we resolve the issue. We apologise to local communities

for any disturbance and are in contact with local agencies and community groups to ensure local residents are kept informed".