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.
24 February 2023 - 24 August 2023: 5 complaints
One complaint has been received relating to a low frequency noise in Cowdenbeath. The SEPA noise monitors were reviewed, and no change was identified from Mossmorran. The noise was subsequently attributed to a source in Cowdenbeath and has now ceased.
Three further noise complaint received. One was found to be a source in Cowdenbeath, and the others may have been linked to Mossmorran, although only minor changes were picked up on the SEPA noise monitors, with no additional complaints received on these occasions.
One dust complaint was also received in June. This was during a period of high dust levels across Scotland due to pollen and agricultural activities coupled with the very dry weather.
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.
Inspections
Desktop and on-site inspections are continuing with the focus on maintenance and the FNGL ground flare installation.
Latest inspections undertaken
FEP
- Monthly updates on new FEP ground flare meeting held until June 2023
- 5-year review of major accident to the environment assessment completed in summer 2023
- Follow up on initial use of the ground flare carried out in September 2023
- Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) audit completed in November 2023
- Drainage inspection in March 204
FNGL
- Inspection of FNGL gasoline storage and Leak Detection and Repair programme
- Inspection of drainage systems completed in September 2023
- Quarterly meeting on new ground flare project (latest held March 2024)
- Review of air modelling methodology for new ground flare in March 2024
- SEPA air emission monitoring completed in March 2024
Braefoot Bay
- Combined COMAH (FNGL) and PPC Part B (FEP) inspection completed in September 2023
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 April 2024
- SEPA air emission monitoring due to complete in May 2024
- Maintenance processes
FNGL
- Quarterly meetings on new ground flare project
- Soil and groundwater reviews
- 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 has just installed a new elevated flare tip.
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 work expected to start on site in 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.