ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd, who were issued with a final warning last month, have apologised to the local communities for more flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) at Mossmorran.

The burning of excess gas started up again on Saturday with the large orange flames visible for miles around. 

A statement from the company said: "The flaring is necessary following a mechanical issue with a pump – one of hundreds used in chemical plants such as FEP to move liquids through the production process.

"In line with our standard precautionary procedures we have informed all relevant authorities, including the emergency services who attended the site for a while yesterday evening as a precaution while we isolated the pump.

It comes just a month after SEPA issued final warning letters to ExxonMobil and Shell UK for flaring incidents at the Mossmorran complex last year. Two further incidents are also under investigation. 

Sonia Bingham, FEP plant manager, added: “We are working round the clock with our specialist suppliers to install the replacement pump and restore normal operations.

"It is not possible to predict precisely at this stage when in the next few days we will return to normal operations, but we are doing everything we can to do this as soon as possible, while at the same time minimising the size of the flare and any resulting disturbance to the community.

"The flare is an essential part of the plant’s safety systems and there is no danger to local communities or employees.

"We would like to assure you safety and environmental protection are our highest priorities and that we will do all we can to keep flaring to a minimum.

"We are working closely with the regulator, SEPA, as we resolve the issue.

"We apologise once more to local communities for any disturbance and are in contact with local agencies and community groups to ensure local residents are kept informed."

James Glen, chair of the Mossmorran Action Group, said: "Easy apologies from ExxonMobil bring no comfort to residents suffering the fear and stress created by yet another emergency flaring period when the operators are under a final warning and are still under investigation for two other emergencies in the last year.

"As usual, no one appears to know how long the flaring will last, and the operators and regulators are tightlipped about the causes and extent of the emergency."

He said the group wanted to know the full extent of the equipment failure, what had leaked, how the spillage was treated and any risks it presented. 

Mr Glen added: "Seven appliances at such an emergency may be protocol, but as these emergencies are increasing, questions should also be asked about the cost, to both the public purse and the ability of the fire service to respond to concurrent local incidents."