COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has reacted to a statement issued by ExxonMobil today [Monday] regarding maintenance work they are carrying out which will result in further flaring at Mossmorran.

The company sent out statement yesterday stating that the flaring was likely to take place over five days this week.

Ms Ewing said: “I have sent a copy of this statement to the Chief Executive of SEPA asking why the Best Available Techniques regime (BATs) which was agreed to only weeks ago has not been adhered to. With this, in fact, being the second such occasion in a very short space of time.

“I want to know what SEPA intends to do as the regulator to ensure that BATs is adhered to and I also want to know what monitoring is being carried out of the emissions associated with the flaring.”

ExxonMobil, operators of the Fife Ethylene Plant, is advising that a period of elevated flaring would begin at the facility on Monday. This is to allow for essential maintenance work estimated to take no more than five days.

A significant step has been taken to reduce the gas flow to the plant, ensuring that the flare volume will be minimised, with engineers working round-the-clock to complete the work safely and as quickly as possible.

Stuart Neill, External Affairs Manager said: “We understand that flaring can cause concern, but it is right that we prioritise the continued safe operation of the plant and conduct this essential maintenance.

“I can reassure communities that flaring is a safe and permitted part of the plant’s operating systems, and allows us to maintain steady operations while our team conduct this work.

“We have fully considered local communities within our planning, taking actions to ensure the flare has a reduced volume.

“We apologise to anyone concerned by the flaring, and thank our local communities for their patience and understanding.”