OPERATORS at Mossmorran say that flaring at the site will end "within 24 hours".

In a statement released this morning, ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd have said that they are "moving towards the final stages of returning the plant safely back to normal operation" and that there is "no cause for concern in relation to air quality from the flare".

The Fife Ethylane Plant unexpectedly starting flaring on Sunday, with thick black smoke visible for miles.

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

They are confident the problem will soon be resolved, however, and said: "Continuing to work day and night, our team is now moving towards the final stages of returning the plant safely back to normal operation.

"Pending any unexpected issues, it is anticipated that we will end flaring within 24 hours.

"Major equipment is now online and operating safely, and the team are finalising the remaining steps to enable full plant start up.

"During this final period of work, there may be some fluctuations to the flare but this is not a cause for concern.

"To reiterate, SEPA have confirmed that there is no cause for concern in relation to air quality from the flare.

"We will continue to keep you fully updated on progress. If you require any further information, please contact us on Tel. 01383 737 000 or fep@exxonmobil.com."

But, following the latest incident, the Scottish Evironment Protection Agency (SEPA) have launched a formal investigation after receiving more than 600 complaints.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s CEO, said: "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."

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.