Local residents are set for up to five days of flaring as Exxonmobil has informed residents that essential maintainance and repair work will take place this week. Community campaigners are questioning whether the Mossmorran site is too old to operate safely.
In a statement issued yesterday, operators of the Fife Ethylene Plant told residents: “To allow essential maintenance, our flare will be in operation from tomorrow.
“We understand flaring can cause concern but we must always put safe operations first.
“Flaring will be kept to a minimum.
“Work will take an estimated five days. Please accept our apologies ahead of the work.”
A spokesperson for Mossmorran Action Group said: ““We’re grateful ExxonMobil has notified us about 5 days of flaring from tomorrow, but their statement raises more questions than it answers.
“What exactly is the maintenance issue? Is it related to the ethane leak, the flaring this weekend or is it another emergency?
“If it is a genuinely planned shutdown, why didn’t ExxonMobil inform the politicians and community reps on Friday (28th June) when they attended the latest meeting of local MP Lesley Laird’s Mossmorran working group?
“As flaring is becoming ever more frequent, people are left wondering whether the plant is now too old and rickety to run safely.”
Local MSP Annabel Ewing has expressed her concern.
The campaign group advises residents:
If you are affected by the flaring, remember to report to SEPA and update our impact map on www.mossmorran.org.uk
If Vibration is a factor, you can test and film this by filling a glass of water and placing this on a flat even surface. The vibration will show in the water.
SEPA 24 hour pollution reporting: 0800 80 70 60.
Or do it online
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