Mossmorran chemical plant is flaring again today to resolve a 'technical issue'

Mossmorran chemical plant is flaring once again today but plant operator ExxonMobil assures local communities that it is “completely safe”.

The plant operator took to Twitter to announce that they are aware their flare can cause concern but that it is necessary to resolve a technical issue.

The statement read: “We are sorry for the current use of our flare while our team work to resolve a technical issue.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We do understand that our flare can cause disruption and concern for some in our local communities, but want to assure you it is completely safe.

"We will keep you updated with our progress.”

Residents in the area took to social media to express their concerns about the flare on Tuesday afternoon, with one Twitter user tagging both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government account, saying: “It's about time something is done. We should not be having to live with this pollution any longer #Mossmorran.”

The ethylene plant, located near Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly, has previously come under fire from locals for unscheduled flaring.

A group of around 30 protesters attended a demonstration on October, 17, 2020 outside the plant and formed “a human chain” across one of the entrances.

The Chemical plant at Mossmorran, Fife.The Chemical plant at Mossmorran, Fife.
The Chemical plant at Mossmorran, Fife.

Campaigners said the protest marked “a watershed moment” saying: “People's patience has finally run out with the Mossmorran operators and the politicians and regulators who are supposed to keep the plant safe.”

One woman who lives just miles from the plant told the Scotsman in October that she “vehemently objected” to the plant’s construction in the 1970s and is “horrified” that it is still operating today.

A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.