A FORMAL investigation has been launched by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) after receiving more than 600 complaints over flaring at Mossmorran.

The Fife Ethylene Plant unexpectedly started flaring on Sunday with thick black smoke visible for miles.

Residents have complained of light pollution and a 'roaring' sound since the weekend, when plant operators ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd said there was "an interruption to the operation on one of our steam generating boilers".

SEPA have now launched a formal investigation into the latest incident.

More than 600 complaints have been received to date by SEPA’s 24 hour Pollution Hotline, one of the highest numbers for any single event, the watchdog said.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s CEO, said: "Every day, SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and compliance with Scotland’s environmental rules is simply non-negotiable. In addition to working hard to ensure ExxonMobil brings a halt to the flaring as quickly as possible, we have also launched this investigation into the incident.

 “The unprecedented number of complaints we have received is a clear message and it’s one that we have heard powerfully and clearly. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to help us understand the impacts of this flaring, and I encourage people to continue to report to us.

“The Mossmorran complex is a major industrial facility, where this type of flaring is a legitimate safety mechanism, but it’s been happening too often, and the current level and extent of the flaring from ExxonMobil Chemical Limited is unacceptable."

Stuart Neill, external affairs manager for ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP), said: “We absolutely understand the disruption that the current unplanned flaring is having on communities in the area.

“Our team are working round the clock to bring the plant back to normal operations, a process which will take a few days to safely complete. 

“During this time, we will, regrettably, need to continue to flare.

“Working day and night, our team has now restarted two out of three major pieces of process equipment. We continue working towards a safe start-up of remaining equipment and return to normal operations."

James Glen, chair of the Mossmorran Action Group, said it was the latest “catastrophic failure of the plant”, as nearby communities have been subjected to a roaring noise and a potent chemical smell for days.

Exxon Mobil and neighbours Shell UK were both issued final warning letters by SEPA last April over unplanned flaring – the burning of excess or waste gas – at their sites, the FEP and the Fife Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant respectively. 

Residents were affected badly by noise, vibration and black smoke over seven days in June 2017; NHS Fife raised health concerns after locals complained of breathing difficulties, irritated eyes and disturbed sleep, while there were also unplanned flaring events in October 2017, as well as March and May 2018.