Flaring continues at Mossmorran despite part of it being shut down. 

It was announced last week that the ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) would be closed for a month after news two of the three boilers were out of action there. 

As a result, the neighbouring Shell Fife Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant has had to flare as they deal with the transition phase. 

In a statement, Plant Manager for Shell, Teresa Waddington, said: "The Shell Fife Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant is in a transitional phase as it adjusts operations to continue to process following the temporary shutdown of the neighbouring Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP).

"In the last few days, the flow of product that comes to us in the gas supply system from the North Sea has been reduced in order that we can stop the supply of ethane to the FEP while it is not operating.

"Due to these unusual circumstances, there have been occasional, short periods of minutes of low volume flaring in the Fife NGL plant’s elevated flare. The Fife NGL ground flares have also been in use.

"Looking ahead to the period during which FEP remains shut down, currently estimated to be four weeks, I expect this pattern to continue, regrettably, as we manage the situation.

"This means there are likely to be occasional, short periods of flaring in the elevated flare stacks on site. And due to the absence of steam from FEP, which would allow for clean combustion, this could be smoky for short periods. We have informed the regulator SEPA of this, and they are aware of the unusual situation.

"I’d like to emphasise that the elevated flaring will not be continuous during the FEP shutdown period, and that we aim to minimise it. We will prioritise use of the Fife NGL ground flares, which are less visible than the elevated flare stacks, so as to minimise the impact on the community.

"I apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused by this flaring. Please rest assured that there is no risk to the local community."