ExxonMobil fined £176,000 for flaring breaches at Mossmorran chemical plant
ExxonMobil was fined £176,000 after pleading guilty to breaching flaring emission limits at its Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife, Scotland. The flaring incident in April 2019 caused excessive noise and community distress. The Scottish environmental regulator SEPA received many complaints and has since seen improvements at the site.
ExxonMobil’s Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife, Scotland, was fined £176,000 after pleading guilty to breaching flaring emission regulations. In April 2019, the plant experienced elevated flaring that lasted nearly a week, producing noise described as similar to a jet engine and causing significant anxiety among local residents. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) received hundreds of complaints regarding the noise and launched a formal investigation. While ExxonMobil stated that the flaring posed no actual danger, the company acknowledged operational failings and has since made improvements to both elevated and ground flares. The Mossmorran complex comprises the Fife Ethylene Plant operated by ExxonMobil and the Fife Natural Gas Liquids Plant operated by Shell UK, with ongoing regulatory oversight aimed at using best available technology to reduce emissions and community impact. The incident highlighted longstanding issues with flaring at Mossmorran, which has been a major source of pollution and noise with previous complaints and regulatory actions spanning years. SEPA continues to monitor air quality and noise and requires operators to maintain improved operational standards to prevent further community disturbances.
