A REPORT about the flaring incidents at Mossmorran that prompted a flood of complaints will not be made public. 

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) are currently carrying out an investigation into just what happened at the ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant between June 12 and 20. 

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley said: “I understand that SEPA has a role in ensuring the current operating conditions are adhered to and as such have an ongoing relationship with ExxonMobil. 

"I also understand that they have set up a separate investigation into the latest specific episode of flaring that has caused such widespread concerns across the area but it is disappointing that there will not be a detailed report published explaining what went wrong."

He added: "I believe we need a wider review that examines why these incidents are happening more frequently and what is the condition of this site." 

There were two incidents in just over a week, with a "process upset" leading to extensive flaring – the burning of excess or waste gas – and locals complaining about the large flame, noise and vibrations from the site. 

The firm apologised and had to say sorry again when thick black smoke billowed from the plant, the result of a "temporary disruption to the feedstock process", prompting NHS Fife to call for action amid health concerns. 

SEPA launched an investigation and this week advised Mr Rowley that no formal report would be made public. 

He said the scope of the investigation was limited to whether any breaches of the operating permits under the ‘Pollution Prevention Control Regime’ had taken place.

Mr Rowley has now written to Scottish Government ministers calling for an independent review of the workings, processes and current condition of the Fife Ethylene Plant. 

He said: “SEPA were very clear that if there has been breaches of the operating permits then they will take appropriate action but were equally clear that their remit does not extend to a wider investigation of the site. 

"So this latest incident is being treated as a one-off situation."

The MSP continued: "SEPA were keen to stress to me that flaring will continue to take place when there is any breakdown on the site and that this is a safety measure. 

"I think everyone understands this but there are many questions that must now be addressed by a wider investigation that must be ordered and paid for by the Scottish Government who cannot hide behind SEPA and their role as a regulator."

Mr Rowley said he would contact the Health and Safety Executive to raise the issue with them and has asked SEPA to provide a detailed list of all episodes of flaring over the last 15 years.

Government minister Roseanna Cunningham has assured Mr Rowley that if the SEPA report uncovers any issues that need addressing, enforcement action would be taken.