Grangemouth

Previous updates

2024

The site operator has issued the below update on flaring activity:

"We are sorry to those in our local community who have woken to flaring from the Grangemouth site.

"Early this morning one of our manufacturing assets developed a fault that required us to safely de-pressure the plant via our flare system.

"Our operations teams quickly diagnosed the cause of the fault and have set about rectifying. This will result in on going flaring through this morning and into this afternoon as they complete the work.

"We are very much aware of the effect flaring has on our local community and we are doing our utmost to reduce the level and duration whilst we resolve the plant issue, including making use of the Ground Flare."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the below update on recommissioning works:

"As we continue with the restart of our plants following the conclusion of a period of maintenance, we are taking this opportunity to advise our local community that spells of flaring will take place intermittently from today (28 October) and over the next few days. Flaring is an industry recognised safe means of managing the contents of the petrochemical plants that cannot be re-used or recycled during the start-up process.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level and duration of the venting and flaring including making use of the Ground Flare."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the below update on recommissioning works:

"As we continue with the restart of our plants following the conclusion of a period of maintenance, we are taking this opportunity to advise our local community that spells of steam venting and flaring will take place intermittently from today (18th October), over the weekend and into the early part of next week.

"Flaring is an industry recognised safe means of managing the contents of the petrochemical plants that cannot be re-used or recycled during the start-up process.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level and duration of the venting and flaring including making use of the Ground Flare."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the below update on recommissioning works:

"The sequential recommissioning of our manufacturing plants will continue this week and into the weekend, following the successful completion of a maintenance programme.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place intermittently from today (15 October) whilst we are undertaking the work.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level and duration of the venting."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the below community notice:

"From today (Tuesday 8th October) our teams at the INEOS Grangemouth site will be recommissioning a plant following a period of planned routine maintenance.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of flaring will take place intermittently whilst we are completing the work.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level and duration of the flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the following notice:

“From today (Tuesday 1st October) our teams at the INEOS Grangemouth site will be preparing the recommissioning of a number of plants following a period of planned routine maintenance.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place intermittently whilst we are completing the work. This may be noticeable outside of the site boundary.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level of venting."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

The site operator has issued the following notice:

“From tomorrow morning (Tuesday 1st October) and through to the end of the week, our teams at Kinneil will be recommissioning a piece of plant following planned routine maintenance.

“We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community of this work as it will lead to spells of controlled elevated flaring.

“We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring including making use of the Ground Flares.

“We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

SEPA have received a number of complaints over the past few days relating to odours from the Glensburgh area of Grangemouth. The source has been identified as CalaChem on Earls Road.

We take complaints of odour from this site seriously and are actively working with the operator to address the issues and secure compliance.

Members of the public can submit complaints via our online form or by calling our pollution hotline anonymously on 0800 807 060.

If you report an odour to us, we will only make further contact where necessary. In most cases you will not receive any further updates from us with respect to the event you report.

The site operator has issued the following notice:

"Our teams are beginning a planned shutdown and maintenance event on the south side of the site from tomorrow, Friday 16th August.

"As we begin to shut down the units there will be spells of controlled elevated flaring evident at the Grangemouth site, which is necessary as part of our shutdown processes.

"We will take steps to reduce the level and duration of the flaring.

"We remain committed to informing our local community of activities that may lead to elevated flaring or noise."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The site operator has issued the following community notice:

"We are in the recommissioning phase of one of our refinery process units.

"With work scheduled to start from Sunday (11th August) this may give rise to spells of controlled elevated flaring and steam venting. This is normal during the start-up process.

"We anticipate the recommissioning will take up to 48 hours to complete and we are taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The site operator has issued the following community notice:

"From tomorrow morning [Tuesday 6th August] and again on Wednesday morning, our teams at INEOS FPS will be undertaking a piece of planned work. This will result in spells of controlled elevated flaring from the Kinneil site on both occasions.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has issued the following community notice:

"Our teams are commencing essential works on a piece of equipment on the south side of the site. This will take place tomorrow, Saturday 27 July, and will result in short spells of steam venting during the day.

"This has the potential to be audible close to the site boundary and we are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

"We will seek to minimise the venting as much as possible."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has issued the following community notice:

"Our teams are currently undertaking a piece of plant maintenance.

“As a consequence, local residents and those in the vicinity may notice low levels of elevated flaring on the south side of the site.

“This will continue for the rest of the week whilst the work is completed.

“We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

“We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the below update on plant recommissioning works:

"Last week we advised of our teams at Kinneil undertaking testing and systems checks following a period of plant maintenance. This was in readiness to recommission the plant.

"These checks have now been completed and the plant will be brought back on line from tomorrow morning, Wednesday 24 July.

"Consequently, there will be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days. This is part of the normal start up process as the plant is recommissioned.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the following update:

"Following a period of maintenance, our teams at Kinneil will be testing systems from this afternoon, Monday 15 July, prior to moving forward later in the week to a start-up of processing plant.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident during the testing period from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days. This is part of the normal start up process as the plant is brought on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has issued the below community notice:

"Our teams are commencing essential works on the south side of the site from today, 11 July, starting at 1100 hrs, that will result in steam venting for approximately 8 hours.

"This has the potential to be audible out with the site boundary and we are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

"We remain committed to informing our local community and those who work nearby of any activity that might result in flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the below update on flaring activity:

“An operational issue on one of our plants located on the south side of the Grangemouth site has resulted in low rates of elevated flaring.

“Our teams are currently working to resolve, and we expect to complete the work by this evening.

“We remain committed to informing our local community of instances when our operations may lead to flaring or noise and minimising this wherever possible.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the below update on recommissioning works:

“Following a period of planned maintenance on a piece of equipment, our teams are in the process of recommissioning.

“This will result in a period (up to 36 hours) of steam venting – this is part of the start-up process for this equipment.

“Whilst we will take every measure to reduce the noise associated with the venting, there is the potential for this to be audible outwith the site boundary.

“We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our neighbours.

“We remain committed to informing our local community of instances when our operations may lead to flaring or noise and minimising this wherever possible.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the below update on flaring activity:

"Earlier this morning, 24 June, an issue emerged on a piece of equipment in one of our manufacturing plants. This required the operators to safely shutdown the unit and as a consequence required elevated and ground flaring, a normal procedure when bringing a unit off line.

"We apologise for any inconvenience the flaring may have caused. We anticipate that the issue will be fixed within 48 hours, allowing the team to restart the unit. At this time, there may be further spells of elevated flaring as we recommission.

"We remain committed to informing our local community of instances when our operations may lead to flaring or noise and minimising this wherever possible."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The site operator has provided the below update on recommissioning works:

“The refinery are in the recommissioning phase of one of their process units.

“Work planned for this afternoon may give rise to some elevated flaring for the period, which is normal during the start-up processes.

“We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

“We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The site operator has informed SEPA it is commencing the restart of one of its plants at Grangemouth. The operator provided the below update:

“Following a period off-line, INEOS is commencing the start-up of one of its plants at Grangemouth.

“Local residents and those in the vicinity of the site may notice short spells of flaring from the north side of the site whilst we bring the plant back on line in a controlled manner.

“We will make every effort to keep this to a minimum over the 24-36 hours we anticipate it will take to bring the plant back into production.

“We remain committed to keeping our neighbours informed of any operations that might result in flaring.”

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The refinery are preparing one of their manufacturing units for planned and routine maintenance work.

From later today, this activity will give rise to some steam venting for a period of up to two days whilst the unit is taken offline.

We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the steam venting.

The site operator has provided the below update on recommissioning works.

"The refinery are in the recommissioning phase of one of the manufacturing units.

"Over the forthcoming week this activity will give rise to some steam venting and elevated flaring which is normal during the start-up processes. We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

We are in the recommissioning phase of one of our manufacturing units at the Petroineos Refinery at Grangemouth.

Over the forthcoming week this activity will give rise to intermittent elevated flaring which is normal during the start-up processes.

We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community. We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

The site has informed SEPA of planned maintenance: The operator update is below.

"Our teams will be undertaking a piece of regular routine maintenance work on the Grangemouth site from tomorrow morning, 18th April.

"As part of this process, steam will be released for up to a four hour period. We do make every effort to minimise associated noise, however, there is always the potential for it to be audible close to the external perimeter of the site.

"In this respect we will continue to advise our local community each time we undertake this activity."

The site has informed SEPA of planned maintenance. The operator update is below:

"Our teams will be undertaking a piece of planned routine maintenance work on the south side of the site tomorrow, 2^nd April. This will result in steam venting for a few hours and is a part of this routine work.

We do make every effort to minimise associated noise, however, there is always the potential for steam venting to be audible close to the external perimeter of the site.

In this respect we will continue to advise our local community each time, even if the sound is not audible in the wider community."

The site operator has provided a further update on the recommissioning works.

"As notified on Friday 29 March, the refinery are in the recommissioning phase of some of its manufacturing units. Over the forthcoming week this activity will give rise to elevated flaring which is normal during the start-up processes.

We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community. We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

Updates are shared on the operator's X/Twitter account @PetroineosGM

Our teams are undertaking a piece of routine work on the south side of the site that will result in steam venting for a few hours. In addition, they will be carrying out proactive maintenance over the weekend that will also result in short spells of steam venting.

We do make every effort to minimise associated noise, however, there is always potential for steam venting to be audible close to the external perimeter of the site. In this respect we will continue to advise out local community each time, even if the sound is not audible in the wider community.

Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams are currently recommissioning one of the refinery's processing plants.

During this work, short spells of steam venting will take place over the next 4 days. These may be audible outside of the site boundary.

We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community. We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the venting.

Our teams are undertaking a piece of work on the south side of the site this morning, 29 February, that will result in steam venting.

This has the potential to be audible outwith the site boundary and we are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

We anticipate that the works will take a few hours to complete this morning and again tomorrow morning.

INEOS have notified us that they intend to bring KG Furnace F1G back to service this weekend. This will result in some steam venting and potentially elevated noise levels. It is anticipated that venting will begin tonight and will continue into Saturday.

If you require further information, or wish to discuss, please get in contact.

INEOS have notified us that they intend to take one of their furnaces out of service from 18:00hrs today for scheduled inspection and maintenance.

This will mean that there will be steam venting and therefore the potential for noise, this is likely to extend into tomorrow. INEOS have assured us that they will make every effort to minimise this as much as they can.

If you require further information, or wish to discuss, please get in contact.

Update - 15 February

Teams are currently undertaking a piece of routine maintenance works on the Grangemouth site. Whilst we are completing this work short spells of steam venting will take place. This has the potential to be audible outwith the site boundary and we are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

The steam venting will begin late afternoon on the 15 February and may continue into tomorrow (16 February).

We are making every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Further update - 16 February

Some additional work at the Grangemouth site is underway, which will result in steam venting from this evening until Sunday 18th.

As this has the potential to be audible outwith the site boundary, we are taking this opportunity to update our local community.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth:

"Our teams are preparing to undertake a piece of routine works on the south side of the site. Whilst we are completing this work short spells of steam venting will take place. This has the potential to be audible out with the site boundary and we are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

"The steam venting will begin on Thursday morning, 18th January and may continue through the day.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

2023

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth.

"Following the success of yesterday’s work, from lunchtime today (Friday 3rd November) our teams are recommissioning a piece of plant on the south side of the site. We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place whilst we are completing the work. This has the potential to be heard outwith the site boundary.

"Separately, we are planning to bring another piece of equipment back into service towards the end of the weekend. Again, this may result in some additional steam venting. We are advising our local community in case this is audible outwith the confines of the site.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with these activities and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view up-to-date messages on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth.

"Following the success of yesterday's work, from lunchtime today (Friday 3rd November) our teams are recommissioning a piece of plant on the south side of the site. We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of stream venting will take place whilst we are completing the work. This has the potential to be heard out with the site boundary.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with these activities and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth.

"From lunchtime today (Thursday 2nd November) our teams will be undertaking a piece of planned work at the Grangemouth site.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place whilst we are completing the work.

"This may last up to 6 hours and may be audible outside of the site boundary.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view up-to-date messages on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

SEPA has received the following community notice from Petroineos Grangemouth refinery site.

"The operation and maintenance teams have recently been undertaking planned work on one of the production units at the refinery in Grangemouth.

"At this time they are in the pre-commissioning phase in preparation for starting the plant back up.

"During this preparatory work there will be spells of flaring evident from the site. These may be audible outside of the site boundary.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that there will be controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stacks for a period.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view up-to-date messages on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth.

“Local residents and those in the vicinity of the INEOS Grangemouth site: please be advised that there is on-going low levels of flaring from one of our flare stacks on the south side of the site. We are undertaking a piece of scheduled work on the plant that has resulted in the use of the flare system.

“The flaring may continue for up to seven days. We anticipate that the flare will remain at its current low level during this period.

“We remain committed to informing our local community of any activities that might result in flaring.”

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view up-to-date messages on the company's X feed via @INEOS_GM.

SEPA received a report from a member of the public on Monday 11th September at 14:25 of black smoke coming from within the Grangemouth refinery complex.

A SEPA officer immediately contacted the site and the operator confirmed that a fire had developed at one of their processing units and was brought under control within 30 mins. The black smoke lasted from about 14:00 when the fire ignited until around 14:30 when it was fully extinguished.

SEPA are satisfied that there was no risk to the environment from this incident. SEPA expect confirmation of the incident in writing, as per the conditions of the site PPC permit. The operator will be required to submit a full report in due course and officers will follow up any regulatory actions as required.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS FPS Kinneil.

"Following an increase in flows of oil and gas into the Forties Pipeline System, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up the processing plant from tomorrow, Saturday 19th August.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the ground flares and elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view up-to-date messages on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Notifications of flaring starting 7 August - INEOS Chemicals

INEOS Chemicals Ltd has informed SEPA that it intends to flare from tonight (7 August) as part of its shutdown for planned maintenance. Flaring rates are expected to be low, but are due to begin around midnight.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue are encouraged to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 807 060 or use our online reporting form. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thursday 1 August

SEPA has received a notification from INEOS Chemicals in Grangemouth that there will be some spells of controlled elevated flaring from Thursday 1 August. This is due to the shutdown of a production unit in preparation for planned maintenance.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Thursday 25 July

SEPA has received a notification from INEOS Chemicals in Grangemouth that a scheduled maintenance programme will be undertaken starting from 07:30 on Thursday 25 July. The shutdown is expected to last approximately 40 hours. The majority of flaring is expected to be within the ground flare capacity, which is utilised to minimise the noise impact.

Tuesday 23 July

SEPA has received a notification from INEOS Chemicals in Grangemouth that flaring is taking place from 12:00 in order to carry out maintenance. It is estimated that there will be low levels of intermittent flaring for around 12 hours.

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS FPS Kinneil.

"Following the planned 24 hour shutdown of the Forties Pipeline System for maintenance, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up the processing plant from today, Friday 4th August.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Ineos Chemicals Grangemouth Limited (ICGL) have appealed the SEPA Initiated Variation served on ICGL on 25^th April 2023. This variation required the installation of Low Noise Elevated Flare Tips by 31^st December 2024. ICGL have appealed the date, proposing 31^st December 2026 instead.

The appeal has been made to the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.

SEPA has concluded the investigation into the significant elevated flaring event at Ineos Chemicals Grangemouth Limited on 1st December 2022, which resulted in community complaints.

The investigation identified non-compliances with the site permit and SEPA has therefore issued a Final Warning Letter to INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth Limited to secure current and future compliance.

SEPA has received the following community notice regarding recommissioning work at the Petroineos Grangemouth refinery site.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance turnaround works, our team at the refinery will begin the recommissioning of processing plant from today.

"We are taking this opportunity to advise the local community that there may be some increased elevated flaring and noise from the refinery over the coming days as the production unit comes back online.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

On Wednesday 28th June, SEPA was notified of recommissioning work scheduled to take place at Petroineos Grangemouth Refinery.

This work was delayed and is now happening between 6th-18th July 2023.

The operator has advised there will be short spells of steam venting during the preparatory work for the start-up. This may last up to 36 hours and be audible outside of the site boundary.

Thereafter, there will be increased elevated flaring from the site as a number of production units are sequentially recommissioned.

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The following community notice has been shared with SEPA.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up processing plant from tomorrow morning, Wednesday 19th July.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

SEPA has received the following notification from INEOS FPS:

"Following a short outage, we will be re-starting one of our plants at Kinneil from 1800 hours today, Thursday 11 July.

As the plant is recommissioned there will be some periods of intermittent flaring. To minimise the effect of the flaring we will be making maximum use of ground flares, but there may be a need for some elevated flaring. We anticipate that flaring may occur intermittently over a period of 2 to 3 days as we start up."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue are encouraged to contact our pollution hotline using our online reporting form. This is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We aim to follow up all complaints within 24 hours.

SEPA has received the following notfication from INEOS FPS:

"INEOS FPS will be undertaking trials on its flare systems on Thursday 4th July between 08:00 and 17:00. The trials are intended to evaluate new elevated flame monitoring technology which, if successful, will enable the site to better manage its flare system.

"Local residents and those passing through the area may notice short spells of controlled elevated flaring during this period. This will be associated with the trial. We have informed the Regulator, SEPA, of our activities."

SEPA has received notification from INEOS Chemicals that they will be re-starting a production unit today. Whilst this may result in periods of controlled elevated flaring it is understood that flaring is to primarily take place using ground flares to reduce the noise impact.

The following notification has been issued by INEOS this afternoon to highlight the potential for flaring.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue from any site regulated by SEPA in Grangemouth are encouraged to report this at sepa.org.uk/report. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We aim to follow up all complaints within 24 hours.

On Wednesday 28th June, SEPA was notified of recommissioning work scheduled to take place at Petroineos Grangemouth Refinery.

This work was delayed and is now happening between 6th-18th July 2023.

The operator has advised there will be short spells of steam venting during the preparatory work for the start-up. This may last up to 36 hours and be audible outside of the site boundary.

Thereafter, there will be increased elevated flaring from the site as a number of production units are sequentially recommissioned.

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The following community notice has been shared with SEPA.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance turnaround works, our teams at the refinery will begin the recommissioning of processing plant from this afternoon.

"During the preparatory work for their start up short spells of steam venting will take place that may last up to 36 hours. These may be audible outside of the site boundary.

"Thereafter, there will be increased elevated flaring from the site as a number of production units are sequentially recommissioned.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that there will be controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stacks for a period of up to ten days as each of the plants are brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

SEPA received notification of unplanned flaring event by INEOS Chemicals at 11.44pm on Thursday, 27 June. The operator subsequently advised that the event was due to a system upset at the site and that elevated flaring had stopped by 12.45am on Friday, 28 June.

SEPA has received a number of complaints from local residents attributed to the flaring incident and is currently in contact with INEOS Chemicals to understand the cause of the flaring.

SEPA has received the following notice regarding planned maintenance work at the INEOS FPS Kinneil site:

"Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up processing plant from tomorrow morning, Tuesday 27th June.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue are encouraged to contact our pollution hotline using our online reporting form.

Authorities continuously monitor air quality in the area.

INEOS FPS who operate the Kinneil Terminal have notified SEPA of the potential for planned flaring lasting approximately 48 hrs starting around 25 June 2019. It is understood that flaring is to primarily take place using ground flares to reduce the noise impact with limited elevated flaring.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue from any site regulated by SEPA in Grangemouth are encouraged to contact our Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or use our online reporting form. This is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We aim to follow up all complaints within 24 hours.

SEPA has received the following notice regarding planned work at the INEOS Grangemouth site:

"From lunchtime today (Friday 16th June) our teams will be undertaking a piece of planned work at the Grangemouth site.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place whilst we are completing the work.

"This may last up to 12 hours and may be audible outside of the site boundary.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

SEPA officers have been in regular contact with Petroineos and Ineos Chemicals this week following odour and noise issues which affected local Grangemouth residents on 15 / 16 June. A short update on each facility is provided below:

Petroineos

The Refinery at Grangemouth, operated by Petroineos, is returning parts of its processing to normal operation following extensive maintenance work and a recent power supply issue. SEPA understands that the operator continues to respond to an issue with the sulphur units and that flaring is possible across the weekend. This type of flaring can impact on the town when easterly winds occur and the forecast for this weekend, particularly from Sunday morning, is for easterlies to commence.

SEPA’s regulatory officers have been in contact with the site operators and have been informed that action is being taken by the Refinery to minimise flaring levels and to aid dispersion over the weekend. Odour impacts are still a possibility in the short term as the Refinery returns to normal operation and the weather forecast remains as it is.

SEPA has urged Petroineos to proactively inform the local community regarding site operations. The following message has been issued by Petroineos have issued a statement on X.

INEOS Chemicals

On Tuesday 18 June, Ineos Grangemouth announced that the facility were due to restart part of their site, with some associated flaring. See the statement issued by INEOS on X for more details.

Odour is not currently being reported in Grangemouth and no complaints have been received by SEPA since the Sunday 16 June.

Local residents are encouraged to check the Grangemouth Hub webpage for the latest updates.

On Saturday 15 June 2019 SEPA’s 24 Hour Pollution Hotline received sixty-six complaints regarding odour and noise in the Grangemouth area.

Having yesterday identified the source of odours as the Petroineos in Grangemouth, officers attended the site again today (Sunday 16 June).

SEPA understands that the operator continues to respond to an issue with the sulphur units which explained the nature of the reports SEPA received.

Officers were unable to detect the odour today (Sunday) and reports have decreased significantly.

SEPA has again impressed on Petroineos the importance of resolving outstanding issues and have urged them to provide an update to the community as soon as possible.

SEPA has received a significant number of complaints today regarding odour and noise in the Grangemouth area.

SEPA regulatory staff have attended the area and identified that the most likely source of the reported odours and noise is the refinery operated by Petroineos in Grangemouth.

We have been advised by the operator that the odours are due to an issue with the sulphur units and this helps to explain the nature of the reports SEPA has received - with members of the public reporting smells of striked matches and sulphur/ rotten eggs.

We are awaiting an update from Petroineos, have impressed on them the importance of resolving the odour and noise issues quickly and have urged them to provide an update to the community as soon as possible. We will attend the site again tomorrow (16 June) and will seek a further update from the operator.

SEPA has received the following notification from INEOS:

"Due to a short-term operational issue at one of the off-shore installations connected to the Forties Pipeline, we will be managing periods of controlled elevated flaring at the INEOS FPS Kinneil Terminal. This will be evident over the weekend and will last up to approximately 48 hours."

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue are encouraged to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 807 060 or use our online reporting form. This is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We aim to follow up all complaints within 24 hours.

SEPA has received the following notice regarding planned work at the INEOS Grangemouth site:

“Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up processing plant from tomorrow morning, Tuesday 6th June.

“Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

“We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

“We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring.”

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

SEPA has received the following notice regarding planned work at the INEOS Grangemouth site:

"From tomorrow morning, Friday 26th May, our teams will be undertaking a piece of planned work at the Grangemouth site.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of steam venting will take place whilst we are completing the work.

"This may last up to 12 hours and may be audible outside of the site boundary.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

SEPA has received the following community notice from INEOS Grangemouth:

"Over the weekend and into Monday our teams will be carrying out planned maintenance on one of our process units.

"During a 12 hour window within this work there will be short spells of steam venting. As these may be audible outside of the site boundary, we are taking this opportunity to advise our local community.

"We will make every effort to reduce the sound associated with this activity and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

Following a significant flaring incident at Ineos Chemicals in 2018, SEPA varied the Ineos Chemicals Grangemouth (ICGL) permit in 2019 to require ICGL to carry out a Best available techniques (BAT) assessment for flaring at the KG ethylene plant. BAT assessments were submitted in 2020 and 2021.

The BAT assessments and further discussions with ICGL have led SEPA to the identification of new low sound flare tips as BAT for elevated flaring. The disturbance to the community from flaring incidents in 2022 has led SEPA to identify this work as urgent. Consequently, on 25th April 2023, SEPA varied the permit to secure compliance with BAT for low sound flare tips at the next opportunity namely, the plant shutdown in 2024.

The permit has been varied as follows:

1. In section 4.5 the following new condition has been added:

4.5.14 From 31 December 2024 the KG Ethylene Plant elevated flares (Emission Points EP-KG-1 and EP-KG-2) shall operate using new low sound burners (tips) designed with internal steam tubes or an equivalent design which will deliver the same performance for steam and sound reduction.

The following notice has been shared with SEPA regarding planned work taking place at the INEOS FPS Kinneil site.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up processing plant from tomorrow morning, Tuesday 11th April.

"Consequently, there may be spells of intermittent controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stack over the next couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring.

"We are committed to informing our local community and those who live and work nearby of our activities that may result in flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @INEOS_FPS.

The following notice has been shared with SEPA regarding Petroineos refinery.

"Petroineos refinery is commencing planned maintenance work within one of the manufacturing areas.

"From Sunday 2 April there will be periods of controlled elevated flaring and steam venting. This will occur mainly as units are decommissioned. There will be a very low level of flaring that will continue for the duration of the maintenance works, which is unavoidable.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our neighbours and those who work near to the site.

"We are committed to informing our local community of our maintenance activities and thank you in advance for your patience."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

Members of the public who are concerned about a potential pollution issue are encouraged to contact our pollution hotline using our online reporting form.

Authorities continuously monitor air quality in the area.

The following notice has been shared with SEPA regarding INEOS Grangemouth.

"From today, Friday 17^th March, our teams will be recommissioning a manufacturing plant on the south side of the Grangemouth site.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that short spells of flaring and steam venting may be occasionally evident over a 48 hour period whilst the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to reduce the level and duration of any flaring associated with this activity including making use of our ground flare.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."

The following community notice has been shared with SEPA.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at the refinery will be starting up processing plant from late this afternoon, Wednesday 15th March.

"We are therefore taking this opportunity to advise our local community that there will be controlled flaring evident from the elevated flare stacks for a couple of days as the plant is brought back on line.

"We will make every effort to minimise the level and duration of the flaring."

SEPA expects the operator to minimise disruption from these activities where possible.

You can view the latest updates on the company's X feed via @PetroineosGM.

The following notice has been shared with SEPA regarding INEOS FPS at Grangemouth.

"Following the completion of planned maintenance works, our teams at Kinneil will be starting up processing plant from Friday 10 March.