Published: Wednesday, 1st July, 2009 11:53am

Shell 'falls short' of new safety standard

by Peter Swindon

Shell"s Ethylene plant at Mossmorran 'falls short' of safety regulations introduced in the wake of the 2005 Buncefield explosion, according to documents released by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency under freedom of information laws.

Gas tanks at the site were inspected by Sepa on 28th November 2008 to ensure measures had been put in place to meet the higher standard.

Officials looked at nine 'Buncefield-type' sites in Scotland, including Shell"s Mossmorran operation.

In a letter to plant manager Alex Baird released under freedom of information laws, Sepa officials said some changes introduced to meet the higher standard 'fall short'.

'By 24th May 2009 Shell UK Ltd must have an improvement plan describing both the actions Shell UK Ltd intends to take to upgrade the standards described in the containment policy,' the letter warns.

A spokeswoman for Shell said the plant is now in the process of complying.

'As a result of their inspection, Sepa found no fundamental shortcomings with the integrity of the containment measures or any threats to the environment,' she said.

'The majority of the requests were to provide reports, inspections or assessments.

'All of these have been actioned and are either completed, in progress, or completed and awaiting review by Sepa.

'The other two requests raised were to do with bunding of above ground storage tanks. One of which is completed and the other is in progress.'

Since the Buncefield explosion in 2005, the industry and authorities have been working together to implement a higher standard of requirements expected for establishments than was generally in place in the sector.

More than 40 people were hurt in the blast and subsequent fire at the Hertfordshire plant after fuel overflowed from a storage tank.

Sepa specialist Wendy Thornton said, 'Securing improvements to prevent similar incidents at fuel storage depots has been, and continues to be, an important priority.

'Although none of the Buncefield in scope establishments in Scotland has fully met the standards set out in Part B of the Containment Policy at this time, considerable work has already been carried out to improve safety at fuel storage sites and all the companies have made progress in implementing improvements.

'The CA and industry are continuing to prioritise their work to reduce the risks consistent with the Containment Policy and is working to ensure improvements are implemented within a reasonable timeframe.'

Shell shares the Mossmorran petrochemical complex with Exxon.

Together, the oil giants produce ethylene - the gas used in the production of everyday items such as plastic bags, washing up liquids, paints and antifreeze - from a continuous feed of ethane from the North Sea.

Surplus gas is often burned off in a safety process known as flaring, which is permitted by Sepa.

The noise, light and vibrations generated from the plant"s high stack has prompted complaints.

Health concerns have also been raised, however, an independent study recently reaffirmed that operations do not affect air quality.

The plant, which opened in 1986, provides employment for more than 250 people.

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