1. Home
  2. Local Environmental Issues
  3. Mossmorran

Back to Mossmorran

Compliance and enforcement at Mossmorran

Table of contents
Select a section to jump to:
Select a section to jump to:

Complaints

SEPA continue to review and follow up on complaints 

2022: 36 complaints

Most complaints related to planned elevated flaring. 

2023: 34 complaints

Most complaints related to the use of FEP Enclosed Ground Flare between 6 – 10 December. 

2024: 36 complaints

  • Use of FEP Enclosed Ground Flare 6 to 8 February 2024 - 3 
  • General flaring complaints - 30 
  • FNGL Emergency shutdown test  
  • Odour complaint  
  • Fly tipping on FEP land  

2025: 6 complaints to August 2025

  • General flaring complaint 
  • Steam more visible due to weather conditions  
  • Alarm audible off site on 27 Jan  
  • FNGL Ground Flare visible  
  • Low frequency noise in the Braefoot Bay Area in May  
  • General flaring complaint in July  

Inspections

Desktop and on-site inspections are continuing with the focus on maintenance and the FNGL ground flare installation.

Latest inspections undertaken

FEP 

  • Project to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions – quarterly meetings (latest Aug 2025). 
  • Monthly update calls with operator. 
  • COMAH Inspection on Climate Change Adaptation in February 2025. 
  • Inspection of Enclosed Ground Flare following maintenance in August 2025. 
  • Ongoing work regarding drainage and maintenance. 

FNGL 

  • Switch to single ground flare processed in November 2024. Now in operation. 
  • Ongoing work on ground flare maintenance and use, with inspection planned for end October. 
  • COMAH 5 yearly Safety Report pre-receipt meeting attended with HSE in November 2024. Updated Report due in November 2025. 
  • Meeting held in June regarding Flare Optimisation Programme and ongoing trial. 
  • Monthly update calls with operator. 

Braefoot Bay 

  • FNGL COMAH 5 yearly Safety Report received in November 2024, and review completed. 

Review of data returns

Both ExxonMobil and Shell are required to submit a range of data returns throughout the year for SEPA to review.

Permit variations

If a proposed change requires changes to the permit conditions the operator must apply to us to vary the permit. We also have the right to vary the permit at any time if we consider that we need to do so. Variations to a permit can range from a simple correction of a typographical error to including a new process. 

Where the proposed variation is assessed as being in relation to a “substantial” change we must consult the public on the application. We have published guidance on how this is done. Additionally, under the regulations, we can choose to consult on any variation if we consider that it would benefit from public consultation. 

Public consultation is undertaken at both the beginning and end of the determination process, the former being by advertisement in the local press and the latter via the SEPA website. Where this takes place, the public are only consulted on the aspects of the permit which are being considered as part of the determination. 

SEPA varied Shell's permit in June 2022 to require:

  • The site environmental monitoring plan  to be reviewed at least every two years.
  • A project plan for a new totally enclosed ground flare.
  • The new totally enclosed ground flare shall be operational from 31 December 2025.
  • Updated monitoring requirements for emissions to air from the processing modules.

SEPA varied ExxonMobil's permit in January 2023 to require:

  • An update to the definition of major flaring.
  • The preferential use of the new totally enclosed ground flare.
  • Updated monitoring requirements for emissions to air from the furnaces and gas turbine.
  • The site environment monitoring plan to be reviewed at least every two years.