The public are being warned to expect flaring from Mossmorran this weekend.
ExxonMobil Chemical has announced the Fife Ethylene Plant will partially shut down for around three weeks from tomorrow.
This planned shutdown will allow the workforce and specialist engineers to carry out routine scheduled maintenance and safety inspections of the equipment at the plant, on the outskirts of Cowdenbeath.
The timing of this event is part of an industry-wide low feed window from the installations in the North Sea and the gas plants in St Fergus which supply Mossmorran’s ethane feed.
During the plant’s shutdown, there will be ongoing flaring.
The company apologised for any inconvenience or concern.
It said the flare is an essential part of the plant’s safety systems and at no time would it pose any danger to the local communities or staff members.
It is ExxonMobil’s aim to keep flaring to a minimum.
As part of the shutdown preparation the company’s plans have been reviewed by both the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
“The safety and welfare of our neighbours, employees and contractors is our number one priority.
“During the upcoming maintenance we will remain focused on all environmental, health and safety aspects of our operations,” the firm said.
