THERE will be some flaring at the Shell NGL Plant next week as their 'Turnaround' maintenance project next week.

Shell did have to use their elevated flare on Wednesday due to the extreme weather conditions, but they safely returned the plant to normal operations yesterday.

Craig Burnett, the new plant manager at the NGL facility, said: "I would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time and I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"I would also like to notify the public that next week we will start our annual ‘Turnaround’ at the Shell Fife NGL plant.

"The Turnaround is an important activity for the maintenance of the plant so that we can continue to operate effectively to our safety standards and industry regulations.

"In order for this work to be carried out safely we need to empty Module 1 of hydrocarbons, which will require use of the flare".

Added Mr Burnett: "As usual, we will prioritise the use of the ground flares to minimise the impact on the community but you may see occasional, short periods of low intensity flaring in the elevated stack between Tuesday August 18 and Saturday August 22. We do not expect each period to be for more than a few hours.

"We have informed the regulator SEPA of our intention."

Meanwhile the Fife Ethylene Plant returned to normal production last night. Plant boss Jacob McAlister said: "I am pleased to advise you that the plant has now safely returned to normal production following the extreme weather on Wednesday morning.

"While the flare is part of our many safety systems, we understand the need to minimise community disturbance and our team made every effort to reduce the flare size. We appreciate the patience of communities during this time."