THE planned and unplanned flaring at Mossmorran last week show the need for tougher regulations and transition plans for decommissioning the complex, Scottish Greens Energy spokesperson Mark Ruskell has said.

Mark Ruskell has written to Environment Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, asking her to meet with local residents, strengthen environmental regulations, launch an independent review and protect jobs by beginning preparations for decommissioning.

Mr Ruskell said: “Residents across Fife have had enough. People near this plant have been subjected to massive levels of pollution.

“I hope SEPA will check the CCTV footage to see if black smoke has been evident.

“The Cabinet Secretary needs to come to Fife and speak to the people who have lost sleep and had their lives impacted by this.

“The current regulations clearly aren’t strong enough. Mossmorran is a clear example of how inadequate environmental protections can have a massive impact on people’s day-to-day lives and public health".

He added: “For example, we need vibration and light pollution to be included within the regulatory regime."

Stuart Neill, external affairs manager for ExxonMobil said: “At no time during this event, did we breach the smoke condition of our regulatory permit.

“We are disappointed, therefore, that Mr Ruskell would make such inaccurate claims that potentially lead to public anxiety. Furthermore, repeated independent monitoring and modelling has shown there is no air quality impact from flaring.

“We acknowledge the potential light and noise concerns, which is why we have committed to implementing a comprehensive, multi-million-pound programme of actions to minimise both the frequency and duration of flaring".

“Our company has provided stable, skilled and high value employment to Fife for over 35 years, with over 270 dedicated team members and their families relying on us for their livelihoods. We are committed to them, and we are committed to Fife.”