MOSSMORRAN operator Shell has been slapped with a £40,000 fine for failing to report emissions accurately.

The energy giant paid the penalty after under-reporting greenhouse gas emissions between 2013 and 2015.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell says the fine has added to concerns over the Fife NGL plant’s future, with a joint investigation into Shell and site neighbour ExxonMobil already being carried out.

Both companies were given final warnings from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) in April due to the number of flaring incidents at the site.

Mr Ruskell said: “This is a significant breach of regulations by Shell and yet another example of the company stumbling over environmental and safety compliance.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a collective responsibility for all of society, and it’s not enough to just say sorry and move on.

“A lack of investment and an ageing plant means these errors are more and more likely to occur. The issues that need to be addressed in Sepa and the HSE’s (Health and Safety Executive) current investigation are now stacking up, and it seriously needs to consider whether this plant can continue to operate as it is.”

Shell reported the error – propane unit volumes had been under-reported by around 0.5 per cent – to Sepa when it was identified in March 2017.

The company explained: “Earlier last year, Shell identified an issue with an historical emissions reporting calculation, corrected the calculation and immediately disclosed updated data to Sepa to rectify the error.

“We very much regret this situation. Shell prioritises the safety of our staff, community and care for the environment. The inadvertent reporting error had no impact on actual levels of carbon dioxide emitted by the plant.”

James Glen, chair of the Mossmorran Action Group, said: “This fine illustrates the pitfalls of relying on self-reporting by Shell and ExxonMobil to monitor and regulate pollution from Mossmorran. Faulty equipment which led to significant under-reporting of emissions for three years between 2013 and 2015 was only reported last year.

“Shell is trying to take credit for reporting the omission but given the heightened public scrutiny Mossmorran operators have been subject to in the last year, perhaps they had little choice.

“In any case, their letter now to residents begs the question why communities weren’t told about this omission when Shell discovered it last year. As ever, Shell’s PR machine is seeking to control the narrative, since the fact of a £40,000 fine means the story can no longer be kept from public view."

He added: “How many other things have the operators failed to report? After all, the plant is ageing and becoming ever more prone to breakdown, so that emergency flaring is now a regular occurrence.

“Community trust in what Shell and ExonnMobil say is zero. Trust will not be restored without an independent investigation."