Compliance and enforcement at Mossmorran
Complaints
SEPA continues to review and follow up on complaints and will publish information on this page to show what action was taken.
The information below is updated in-line with meetings of the Mossmorran and Braefoot Bay Community and Safety Liaison Committee. For further information on this committee visit air quality information at Fife Council.
The next update will be in-line with the next committee meeting which is due in the next few months. Only the information from the last 12 months we have reported to the committee is available here.
25 August 2023 - 23 November 2023: 2 complaints
One complaint regarding a large steam release and accompanying noise in Lochgelly and one regarding a strong odour present over a number of days in the vicinity of the complex.
24 November 2023 - 22 February 2024: 40 complaints
- Enclosed Ground Flare use at FEP - 6 to 10 December 2023 - 21 complaints.
- Enclosed Ground Flare use at FEP - 6 to 8 February 2024 - 3 complaints.
- Ongoing regular flaring complaints - 16.
23 February - 23 May 2024: 13 complaints
General flaring complaints - 10
FNGL Emergency shutdown test - 1
Odour complaint - 1
Fly tipping on FEP Land - 1
24 May to 23 August 2024: 8 Complaints
Ongoing regular flaring complaints - 8
Inspections
Desktop and on-site inspections are continuing with the focus on maintenance and the FNGL ground flare installation.
Latest inspections undertaken
FEP
- Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Audit completed in November 2023.
- Drainage Inspection in March 2024.
- SEPA air emission monitoring completed in April 2024 - no issues of concern found.
- Project to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions - quarterly meeting in August 2024.
- Ground flare incident follow up inspection completed in August 2024.
FNGL
- Quarterly meetings on new ground flare project (latest update June 2024).
- Review of air modelling methodology for new ground flare in March 2024.
- SEPA air emission monitoring completed in March 2023 - no issues of concern found.
Braefoot Bay
- Combined HSE and SEPA COMAH meeting at FNGL site in March 2024.
Review of data returns
Both ExxonMobil and Shell are required to submit a range of data returns throughout the year for SEPA to review.
Upcoming compliance work
FEP
- Plans to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions - discussions and meetings ongoing with next planned in November 2024.
- Maintenance inspection in November 2024.
FNGL
- Quarterly meetings on new ground flare project with next planned in September 2024.
- Ground flare maintenance inspection in September 2024.
- Winterisation inspection in November 2024.
- Firefighting foams.
Braefoot Bay
- 5-year review of major accident to the environment assessment due in November 2024.
- Firefighting foams.
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.
Improvements
We are continuing to work with the companies to deliver flaring improvements in the shortest possible timeframe.
Ground Flares at ExxonMobil FEP
ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) issues updates on its progress towards the installation and operation of its new Enclosed Ground Flare on its website at FEP project updates at ExxonMobil UK.
What will this improvement mean?
Flaring events should occur less often, but if there is a flaring event at ExxonMobil FEP there may still be elevated flaring for a short period. After that the flaring will be contained within the ground flare. This will significantly reduce the amount of elevated flaring from this site.
Elevated flare tips at both ExxonMobil and Shell
- ExxonMobil FEP installed a new elevated flare tip in Spring 2021.
- Shell FNGL installed a new elevated flare tip in Summer 2022.
What will this improvement mean?
Flaring events should occur less often, but if there is an elevated flaring event then both ExxonMobil and Shell will be using technology that should minimise the impact of noise and vibration when it does occur.
Ground Flare at Shell FNGL
Shell Fife Natural Gas Liquids (FNGL) are working towards the installation and operation of a new ground flare by December 2025. The project is currently going through the planning process with enabling works ongoing at the site since Spring 2024.
What does this improvement mean?
Elevated flaring events should occur less often as flaring will be continued within the ground flare. This will significantly reduce the amount of elevated flaring from the site.