THE Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has completed its investigation into a number of unplanned flaring events at the Mossmorran Complex during 2017 and 2018.
Whilst flaring is an important safety mechanism and is permitted through permit conditions, the impact of any flaring events must be mitigated so as not to have an unacceptable impact on local communities.
SEPA remains clear that the flaring in June 2017 was both preventable and unacceptable and Final Warning Letters were issued to ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Ltd in that regard. Communities experienced further unplanned flaring in October 2017, March 2018 and again in May 2018.
In August 2018, SEPA announced an investigation into ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Limited. SEPA also announced a review of, then served, operating permit variations on both operators to strengthen noise and vibration controls whilst the investigation was underway.
With a firm focus on ensuring stringent compliance and mitigating the impacts of flaring, SEPA has concluded that the robust enforcement action taken is currently appropriate and effective. The environmental performance of ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Ltd will be kept under review and SEPA will not hesitate to take further action in line with its Enforcement Policy if appropriate.
This update summarises the range of enforcement action that SEPA has taken, sets out what will happen next, and explains how SEPA will continue to liaise with communities.
Said a spokesperson for SEPA: "Permit variations were served on both operators requiring ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Ltd to ensure they take all appropriate preventative measures against noise and vibration emissions through the application of ‘Best Available Techniques (BAT)’ and ensure that no significant pollution is caused.
"Both operators are required to complete an evaluation of the ‘Best Available Techniques (BAT)’ to prevent and, where that is not practicable, reduce emissions of noise, vibration and smoke associated with flaring.
"In addition to SEPA’s investigation, the Health and Safety Executive has completed its investigation and confirmed that COMAH actions legal have been completed to its satisfaction.
"An enhanced programme of air quality monitoring is being undertaken by SEPA, to inform relevant public agencies.
"The environmental performance of ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Ltd will be kept under review and SEPA will not hesitate to take further action in line with its Enforcement Policy if appropriate".
Summary of flaring events- in June 2017 Approximately 5.5 days of Noise and vibration after the Mechanical failure of a steam condensate return pump at ExxonMobil. Flaring for approximately 1.25 days including Black smoke through lack of steam supply to the flare.
Loss of ethane feed causing rapid reduction in steam header pressure.
October 2017 3.25 days Noise and vibration Ethylene release from a flange at ExxonMobil. March 2018 Approximately three days Noise and vibration. Shut-down of a process gas compressor by a safety mechanism at ExxonMobil.
May 2018 Approximately four days Noise and vibration, Splitter product draw-off pump outage at ExxonMobil.
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